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FIT test negative; feel awful still; ask for colonoscopy?

Nink
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Hi, I have a few elements to this so I'll try to simplify, but also give the full picture:

1. I've been having diarrhoea for 4 weeks now. Sometimes it seems to improve for a couple of days, but always just comes back really acutely. I've had several stool tests - all negative apart from one showing 'possible, mild' inflammation of the bowel, but I'm not sure that explains the severity of my symptoms? The docs want to retest in 6 weeks but I'm not sure I can wait that long - I've lost half a stone in less than two weeks and am feeling super fatigued and nauseous. Comfortingly, my FIT test came back negative, but the doc said it 'doesn't rule out bowel cancer'... So what should I do now? Can I / should I request a colonoscopy? Something else?

2. I also have a breast lump with pain - I have an ultrasound for that on Tuesday. If they find something, do you know how quickly they'll biopsy it? I'm really hating all these long waits.

3. A few months ago I felt a hard lump on my cervix. I saw the nurse at my local GP practice who had a good look and said she could see absolutely nothing - my cervix looked super healthy. I was confused as to why I could feel something but figured maybe it was supposed to be hard at the tip and I just didn't know. Feeling it now, the hard lump is still there and possibly bigger. I'm thinking I should ask for a second opinion?

Anyway, sorry to go on... I'd be so grateful for any input. Thank you.

  • Hello Nink,

    Thank you for your post.

    I am sorry to hear about the symptoms you have and the worry they are causing you.

    In terms of your bowel problems, you can talk to your GP about possibly being referred for a colonoscopy. 

    The ultrasound will hopefully give more information about the painful lump in your breast. I think if there is a concern about it then you may be referred to the breast clinic. If there is a concern then you would have it biopsied. However, breast cancer is not usually painful.

    Do mention the lump you feel on your cervix to your GP.  You have had it checked out and it looks like nothing abnormal was seen , it is possible that what you are feeling is your normal anatomy, however I cannot be sure if it is. If you are still concerned do talk to your GP about it.

    If you are going back to your GP you may find that you will need to ask for a double appointment because you have more than one health concern.

    I hope this has been of some help.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care,

    Caroline 

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