positive bowel screening result

Please do not be scared of the colonoscopy, I have had two over the last few years and an waiting for another appointment because of continuing issues. The technicians and clinicians are very professional and will make the test comfortable for you. Make it known if you prefer to have help with relaxing. I found the worst part was the liquid solution you need to take the day before the taste is terrible. Best of luck you will be fine.

please don't refuse it, i was being treated for ibs and a colonoscopy showed bowel cancer, my brother went for one after a postal poo test and he was diagnosed with diverticular disease, i have had about 15 colonoscopies over the last 5 years, i find the worst part is the clear out of the bowel the night before, just a tip i found, put a packet of baby wipes in the fridge, they are easier gentler than toilet paper, i dispose in scented nappy bags.

A colonoscopy picks up all sorts.. some of so serious. diverticula disease amongst others.. it’s not necessarily bigC . You must go ahead with it. It’s not the most dignified of procedures but you can have a mild sedative and then you won’t know much about it. This is why we have tests .. you must proceed !

Definitely have the colonoscopy. It isn't too bad and it's over fairly quickly. I had a positive result, had the colonoscopy. I was fine, I had a benign polyp, which they removed, and I also have diverticular disease. I suffer with anxiety and was very, very nervous, they gave me a sedative and muscle relaxant. You'll be fine.

A tip to make the unpleasant pre colonoscopy liquid…add clear undiluted lime juice, bottled not fresh. It doesn’t take the taste away but softens it somewhat.
Good luck.

I would advise that you ask for sedation - then you won't know much about the test. It makes it so much easier.

I fully understand stand how scared you are, I was having stomach ache and blood in my stools, so knew something was not right, I contacted my Dr , she examined me and was sent a stool test through the post, the hospital contacted me and I received an appointment for a Colonoscopy, the night before I had to drink a sachet of Mango flavoured mix, and then drink a pint of water , the next morning another sachet of flavoured water (more like drinking a pint of salt water) by this time what I was passing was like having a pee through my bottom . My appointment at 1 ( 28th April) by that time I was so thirsty. The nurses were so kind , I decided to have gas and air, but didn’t really need it, I watched the procedure and honestly in my case felt no pain. They removed two small polyps and a much larger one. Still no pain. I am awaiting the results, but the dr and nurses didn’t seem unduly worried about them, so fingers crossed my results are clear. On returning home, still no pain, was glad to have a drink and biscuits. Please try not to worry about the Colonoscopy it was nothing to be worried about.

I promise that the colonoscopy isn’t that bad. You are fully covered and the staff are lovely. It’s likely to be nothing. Remember that not having the test doesn’t change the diagnosis. It can make a big difference in how problems are treated though and their success

I recently had a cystoscopy and dreaded it. It was painless and over quickly. I can’t believe I worried. You will also get a pretty good idea of whether or not there is anything wrong at the time. Please go

Please have the colonoscopy. I had a positive result 6 yrs ago and the polyp that was removed as a result of the colonoscopy was malignant. They removed it there and then and sent it off to the lab. I dread to think what would have happened if I had refused. It is not the nicest procedure to have done but most hospitals offer sedation and gas and air. Good luck

I had one about 18 months ago - no problems found. Try not to worry too much its nowhere near as bad as you think. Your bowels have to be clear for them to carry out the procedure. A strong laxative when I had it done, but I think they give you an enema to use at home now and there is gas and air if you feel uncomfortable during the procedure. It doesn't take long and a nurse is there with you. Hope all goes well for you. Let us know how you are

A colonoscopy is ok. The worst bit is fasting for three days beforehand. You can drink lucozade though which hot me through. Mine was a polyp which was bleeding. They removed it and I’ve been fine ever since. Let us know how you get on xc

I didn't have to fast for three days, only 24 hours.

Travelsafar
I had the same thing happen to me .I spoke to my G.P and told her about the constipation and she cleared that and I had a course of iron tablets and the test was redone and it was fine .
Like you I had no symptoms and the thought that of the colonoscopy and the procedure was a no no for me. So do speak to your G.P first and if the hospital speak to you first just say you are speaking to your G.P.

I had a colonoscopy a few years ago. Tried it without sedation and was a bit uncomfortable so had 1ml pain relief and 1ml sedation. Never felt a thing after that and was still alert and awake. The nurses were very supportive and kind. Had the result at the end of treatment. Nothing found and was diagnosed with IBS as had alternating constipation and diarrhea.
They tell you when they finish it if they've found anything so it's well worth doing. Don't delay it as if,sadly, they do find anything it's curable if caught early. Best wishes ❤️

volver3

I didn't have to fast for three days, only 24 hours.

Same here. Three days seems an awfully long time.

Please go Travelsafar. I’ve had two and would go again if necessary. We’re all so lucky that medical science has come so far. these procedures have saved so many lives!

Please have whatever tests are offered. They won’t be as bad as you imagine them to be x

I am thankful that we are sent free bowel kits to monitor if all is well or something may need attending to. A colonoscopy, if needed, I would jump at rather than worry myself silly with constant doubt.
Please don’t ignore this opportunity to take care of yourself.
I sincerely hope there is nothing to be concerned about but I do urge you to have this procedure done.

Hi I had the colonoscopy without sedation and it was fine. I didn’t not want to drive myself home afterwards as if you’re sedated you cannot drive for I think from memory 24 hrs.
? Bit uncomfortable. but interesting watch on the screen and see what was going on. It’s not too bad , the results from it were fine luckily but definitely do go. If need the the sedative have it as most ppl do get it. Good luck.

Please don't worry about a colonoscopy. I had 2 last year. You will be given sedation, which will totally relax you. I found it fascinating to watch the screen and see what my insides look like. Similarly with an endoscopy last year. I would much rather have those than go to the dentist! You will be given some laxatives to use the day before to totally clear your bowel, so don't make any plans as you will need to be near a toilet.

Please go and get the advice/ help you need. I lost both parents to bowel cancer and my mum had no idea until a bladder investigation showed the tumour .
A colonoscopy is the way forward and it will assess what is going on. Caught early you will be fine . Please don’t ignore the situation, scary as it seems. You will be well looked after. Good luck%!

My brother in law had the same letter and was worried sick, when he went for the colonoscopy all was fine. I elected to have one done a few years ago as part of a screening program and it was ok. Id definitely go and get this checked out, you’ll probably worry more not knowing.

Ps you don’t have to fast for three days. They gave me a solution to drink to clear the bowels. If you go with the instructions, it makes the colonoscopy easier.

I had an unexpectedly positive test after Christmas. The colonoscopy was not nearly as bad asI thought. Just make sure you are at home the previous day when you have to take the “clearning out” medication. My colonoscopy was negative and I was told that the majority are. You should definitely have it otherwise you will just go on worrying. Best of luck

Please go for the test for ANY type of cancer. Its better to suffer an embarrassing exam than to die early . My oh was very dismissive of tests. Unfortunately we have just been told its spread with no cure now . go for the test , find out .