Hi all, I'm 47 and just had an urgent referral to see specialist due to positive FIT test.
I have had IBS for over 20yrs, suffered from stress and PTSD over the years so Drs have been quick to link my IBS with this. But late March, same week I had my 1st Covid vaccine, my symptoms changed. Much loser stools (water), going to toilet multiple times (up to 20), mucus and now passing blood even without a bowel movement. Also needing the loo at night. I have really had to push to be taken seriously. The first Dr basically told me there was nothing she could do and to try mindfulness!
I had a colonoscopy 21 months ago with 12 biopsies and all came back clear - I was referred at that time by an optician as I have started to suffer from chronic uveitis which is linked to IBD. I also had lymphatic colitis many years ago so they checked for this too but all clear.
Recent bloods done all normal, so all the GPs kept referring back to this recent scope, saying it's just IBS, I need to self manage. But tricky when nothing is working!!!
Three months on symptoms are worse and dr has finally done a FIT test hence referral. I'm scared. My mum was diagnosed with breast cancer at 47, Dad bowel cancer at 65. I have an 11 yr daughter with liver disease, now post transplant. I would hope that the previous colonoscopy would have picked up anything nasty then but im terrified it's cancer. I have lost a stone since Christmas but I've been running and reduced my food intake on a bland diet so that makes sense. Energy levels are normal for me. Had DRE Monday and nothing found.
I would be grateful for any words of wisdom please. My family have been through so much, im scared of putting them through more. My daughter needs me with endless medical appointments. I'm trying to hold it all together but struggling especially as the GP is so unsympathetic!
IBD would make sense with the Uveitis but I don't know whether crohns or ulcerative colitis would cause my issues, high FIT, and all the blood loss? Plus I don't know if you can develop IBD at my age???
Thank you for reading :-)
