Hi,

I'm in a similar position. I got a positive fit test 13.1 I was told anything below 10 is classed as negative, my bloods were all ok. I had a telephone call with a Nurse last week who said I need a colonoscopy so I'm just waiting for another phone call for a date and the prep solution which I should receive through the post. I'm beyond scared too. Sorry I can't really give advice & help but just wanted to say you're not alone in this x

My experience:

I have performed 3 FIT tests now at age 60, 62, 64. I had a positive FIT test this last occasion, and was given a colonoscopy appointment within 2 weeks for Dec 5th 2020. Because of concerns that contracting Covid might result in a cancelled appointment, I went into lockdown for the waiting time.

I read lots of literature online to pacify my apprehensions. The leaflets sent to me by NHS say you will probably get a negative cancer result. They also say that if early diagnosis is made then treatment outcomes are very good.

I dieted as prescribed. I took the Movicol as directed. It tastes awful, far too sweet. It works!

Due to Covid restrictions I had to enter the hospital building unaccompanied, but would probably have chosen this anyway rather than ask my other half to wait for 3 hours.

I was asked health questions, had a (flexible) cannula inserted in the top inside of my lower arm, and given a pair of disposable peephole shorts to wear plus two gowns to wear back to back. I kept on my shirt and shoes/socks. I walked 30 metres to the theatre and removed my shoes and lay on the table.

I had opted for entonox, which I used a bit, but I am not sure it was even necessary. I was informed that I could have IV pain relief if I wanted to at any time. I was also given buscopan to relax bowel contractions. I felt no pain even when changing position on a small table with wire and tubes hanging everywhere.

I could see my colon interior on the monitor as they performed the procedure. I had 3 polyps removed and sent for biopsy. The initial report on the day said that the polyps were benign, and this was confirmed by pathology a few days later. The removal sites were tattooed for identification in the future.

In recovery I was offered food and drink but surprisingly I was not hungry, but I drank tea. I had to wait the obligatory 30 minutes or whatever before discharge, but I was actually fit to go straight home without recovery. I arrived at 0920 and left at 1230. I was informed that I could drive home if I wanted to, but I was driven.

Although I had dieted and taken the Movicol religiously, my colon was not perfectly prepared, so I was given a second appointment in March.

As the procedure was painless (although the preparation is a right pain) and it is my health that is the main concern, I am quite happy to undergo/repeat the experience. Not only will they complete a full inspection next time, but they can check the polyp sites for healing and condition.

So my experience is that it is an essential procedure which is a great trade off for assurance of good health.

All this will possibly not calm all your concerns but I hope it helps. I trust my second time around will be as easy.

Thank you so much for the explanation of the process.is the movicol what makes you go to the toilet do you have to take more than once then ?,

I don't want sedation so I am hoping gas an air will do if I only had that for a baby I'm hopin no worse lol 

not fancying the idea of a cannula had quite a few before and they always seem to hurt me but if have to then so be it 

I'm so worried about results not slept all night 

which has made my tumm pain even worse 

thank you for replying 

xx

Thank you 

what symptoms have you been getting 

I just want the test over and done with last night not slept at all with worry 

when is your test hope they are still doing them quick that worries me too 

thank you  

Hi,

I've had blood in my stools for a few months now (stupidity just assumed it was piles so ignored it) then my stools became very soft and I had a feeling of incomplete bowels now I'm suffering with constipation. When I finally visited my GP she did an internal and said she couldn't feel any piles so did the FIT and blood tests. I was then referred to the colorectal team, I had a phone appointment with a Nurse who then referred me for a colonoscopy. I'm just awaiting a date now but have to go for a Covid test 2 days before my appointment. 

I've not slept properly for 3 weeks now it's constantly on my mind, everytime my mobile vibrates my heart races. I've not had my usual appetite and just feel like I'm going through the motions of Christmas if you know what I mean.

What were your symptoms and did you also have blood tests? xx
 

Hi

I'm 56 and I had a positive fit test In October following investigations for stomach pain.

My test was 23 and I had a colonoscopy 2 weeks later.

I followed the recommended low fibre diet for 4 days.

 I thought the Moviprep the day before was the worse part because it tastes so awful. I used a straw, chilled it and even licked fresh lemon in between drinks. The first sachet went down ok but the second I struggled with as I was so full but it worked well so that's the main thing.

My appointment was at 10.30 the next morning. I was scared because of the colonoscopy and Covid but in the hospital I felt safe. I was sent an appointment for a Covid test 3 days before the procedure then I isolated.

I had a sedative which relaxed me and the colonoscopy was painless apart from I felt something in my left side as it moved up, this wasn't painful though. 

I was taken to recovery, offered a drink and biscuit and after about 45 minutes my husband, who was waiting in the car, was called to collect me after I had seen a nurse who went through my results as they hadn't removed any polys.

I had some stage 1 haemorrhoids which appeared to have caused the positive test.

I wouldn't hesitate to have a colonoscopy again if needed.

I hope this helps a little and I understand how scared you must be so best wishes for a good outcome.

Hi thank you I'm dreading the drinks as I have a real bad gag reflex so won't be good 

do you really have to have more than one 

what other symptoms did you get before my stomach sounds like a washing machine this morning 

I have had tummy aches for quite a while and like a pulling sensation inside 

I don't want sedation i hope

 it won't be to bad , glad you get the results can't wait 

imam worries about covid 

did they make you isolate after the test 

do they send a test by post or did you have to do to the centre 

dread that too lol  

wbat good can you eat before 

thank you xx

Assume we still wear masks as I don't want to take mine off in there 

Even tho I suffer from panic attacks it will be difficult along with being worried as well 

Yes you have to have both the sachets, you do with the Movprep anyway. I think they were a couple of hours apart but you will get full instructions depending on which prep they send you. 

After the Covid test, which I had to go to a test centre set up on the hospital car park, I isolated for the 3 days before my procedure. The test was done by a nurse and was fine.

The hospital will send you a list of what you can eat before the colonoscopy, it was low fibre food no wholemeal bread, fruit and nuts type things.

x

I kept my mask on throughout, forgot it was on really as I was watching the screen. It's rare you get to see your insides!

I only took my mask down a couple of times to sip my hot drink in recovery.