Hello NattyG

I'm sorry to hear that you've recently had some health concerns which have resulted in your GP referring you to see a gastroenterologist. It's understandable that you're feeling worried about things. 

GP's have a set of guidelines to follow when referring patients to see a specialist. Many people will be referred under a 2 week pathway but will not go on to be given a cancer diagnosis. We do know how difficult it can be waiting for appointments and tests/results and often it can help to talk through your concerns and fears. I wonder if you'd find it helpful to chat with one of our nurses ahead of your appointment. I'm sure they would be happy to give you any advice, information, and support that they can. If you'd like to chat with them they're available Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. 

I hope that you have some news and assurance from the specialist soon. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator 

Hi there try not to worry I am going through a similar thing but I'm awaiting my fit test results, and experiencing lots of other horrible stomach and bowel related symptoms. From what I hear fit tests are very sensitive since you had a bug you probably have high inflammation relating to that. It could also be ibd or piles so try not to worry too much and if you're referred for a colonoscopy go for it :)

Hello, thank you so much for your reply. I got my FIT results back quite quick so hopefully you won't have to wait too long. My stool results came back negative for bacteria or an infection so its really worrying me as to why there is inflamation and blood. 

I have gone pretty much back to normal now with my symptoms.apart from an occasional stomach cramp. It's good that I have  been referred so quick but it just really scared me as I know the 2 week referral is usual when there are concerns about cancer. I am waiting now for an appointment with a consultant to see what needs to be done next.

Sorry to hear that your not feeling too good, I really hope you get sorted soon. 

Please don't worry it would be far far worse to get a negative result and something to be a miss than a positive one that turns out to be nothing at all which I'm sure it will in your case.

it could be many things including ibd, internal piles or inflammation due to your illness. 
I know this is easier said than done but please try not to worry I have worked myself into a high level of anxiety which is making my symptoms much much worse xx

My symptoms have been very similar to yours lots of cramping and 3 bouts of watery stools felt feverish and unwell still not resolved and I'm currently on week two so your post gives me great hope that it is just a bug, but like yourself I have been referred for an urgent colonoscopy but that's because I have had previously bloody stools etc thought to be piles. and I'm just awaiting my fit results. Please keep me updated Charl x

Hey Charl, thank you for your lovely message it does sound very similar, mine came completely out of the blue which is why I thought it was a bug but stool results came back negative for infection or bacteria. For about 3 weeks I had very bad diarrhea and cramps, through the day and night. Although those symptoms have pretty much gone, I get an occasional cramp but have noticed blood in my stool a few times which is very scary. 

I think the anxiety is making me so much worse and I just hate not knowing what is wrong. I am 40 and never had any gastric problems before so it's all really odd. 

I will keep you updated and could you also do the same. I really hope you get sorted soon ans start to feel much better. The anxiety is hard to deal with, I am really struggling xxx

At 40 you're very young for it to statistically be anything sinister and I'm even younger at 29 but that doesn't stop your mind going into overdrive does it? I get my results later at 2.45 (providing they're back by then) I have also booked to see a private specialist on the 13th. 
Will be thinking about you x

You are very young, as you say though it doesn't stop the worry.  I hope you get your results later today ans maybe they can give you some answers to why you have been feeling unwell. 

Do you have a date for your Colonoscopy yet? I thought about seeing seeing a private specialist but going to wait and see what happens through the GP referral first, I have been assured that I will get an appointment within the 2 weeks. 

Let me know how you get on with your results and how you are feeling. xxx

No I don't have my colonoscopy date but like yourself I was assured it would be within two weeks. 
I can't tell you how awful my anxiety has been I'm not sure if it's making my symptoms worse so if I gave to wait an extended period of time I will book a private colonoscopy myself x

Yes I am exactly the same and I have found that when I start thinking about things my symptoms seem to come on so the anxiety really doesn't help. 

Where are you going to see a private specialist ? I would definitely consider paying to see someone if I could get things sorted sooner. Xx