Hi Everyone

This is my first post and also one offering feedback that I hope others, in my position, find helpful. I felt obliged as I have used this forum myself looking for answers and much of what I found was helpful. So I was keen to post up some information on my journey to add to what is already available.

I am a 50-year-old man in good health.

Over the last 6 months, my bowel habits have changed. They have never been super reliable changing between loose and normal stools. At times I have seen a little fresh blood in the toilet but as I know I have piles I have ignored it (not sensible I know). I was now suffering from chronic constipation which was only relieved using laxatives. I put it down to stress as I am caring for my dying father whilst running my own hectic life and business.

By April, I approached my GP explaining the above and also mentioned that I felt run down and generally unwell with bouts of lightheadedness. The decision was taken to take blood and also check my prostate due to my age. A bit like a mini MOT. Bloods were fine although I was mildly anaemic which the Dr felt was due to hernia surgery a week before. They decided to redo them and also adding in a FIT test. My prostate was also fine.

The bloods came back and the anaemia had corrected itself but I scored a 21ug on the FIT test. I was referred for a 2ww cancer pathway colonoscopy. I don't mind telling all of you that I was horrified. I immediately turned to Google but the truth is that there isn't much out there that will reassure you. 21 is a low score but it's still positive and no matter what you read there is blood in your stool for a reason and combined with a change in bowel habits you'll never get clarity until you have it checked out. Worth mentioning that there was no visible blood in my stool when I carried out the test and hadn't been for a long time.

Days of worrying and sleepless nights passed as I waited for my appointment which was yesterday.

So how did it go?

Firstly the bowel prep... It's simple to do and the instructions were clear regarding diet. I only changed my eating 2 days before the scope. The evening arrived where I was to take my Moviprep. I was prepared for the foul taste and prepared 1ltr with super cold water. Wow... it really wasn't that bad at all. It's not great but far from terrible. I finished it in 45 mins but could have gone quicker. Within an hour the motions started. You basically pass water. This clears in appearance over the next couple of hours leaving you passing cloudy yellow water. I was never caught short and after months of constipation, I found it a relief. The following morning I did the same at 7 am. It worked quickly and finished quicker with the final motions staying clear and light in colour.

My appointment was 14:15.  I was greeted by a lovely nurse who explained everything. They are well prepared for nervous patients. I opted for sedation. The pre-procedure process was smooth. I walked into the theatre like a man on death row. The endoscopist was a lovely lady and I was sedated. You stay awake but you are very calm and relaxed. They explain everything so there are no surprises and your modesty is well protected. As you lay there watching the insides of your bowel, you marvel and how well the Moviprep has worked. You also see a bowel full of capillaries and folds so it's difficult to tell if all is well. There was a lot of talking and for some reason, I started to assume the worst. I asked if it was bad and she laughed a little reassuring me that all was well and no cancer had been noted. At this point (feeling relieved) I started to discuss the process a bit more and at no time did I feel any acute pain. There were times where it was uncomfortable but nothing worse than a minor tummy cramp.

During the procedure, they noted that I had a loopy bowel which made intubation a challenge. In theory, I should have felt more discomfort but the sedative and pain killers worked a treat. She found one 3mm polyp which was removed. It was harmless but now gone. They noticed a few areas of erosion in the transverse colon so took multiple biopsies from the entire colon. These biopsies feel painless, you can see them take the biopsy and you do feel a tender tug inside but you feel no other sensation. It was noted that I had internal piles which they felt probably caused the positive FIT.

The whole process took 25 mins. It was a pleasure and I felt great afterwards. Recovery involved a cup of tea, a sandwich and a copy of my report which was explained. I have been taken off the cancer pathway and have a follow-up appointment with my consultant to discuss their findings once the biopsies are back. The erosions need to be discussed.

A positive FIT does NOT mean you definitely have cancer but it does require investigating. Once received we want clarity ASAP. We look for answers and data but that really is no substitute for your own procedure. I understand some people have complicated colonoscopies (mine wasn't straightforward) and others get results that confirm the worst. But if any of the above provides some useful data or reassurance then I'm glad I could pass on some of my own experiences to those in need.

Would I have a colonoscopy again... definitely and I would urge anyone panicking about theirs not to worry. You'll be fine.

To those of you who contribute to sites like these, I would like to thank you for the information. It was very helpful. To those of you fighting your own battles, I wish you heartfelt regards.