Symptoms and diagnosis
Hi everyone,
Was looking for some support/guidance. I've had issues with my bowels for around 10 years. Diarrhoea then normal, urgency at times, and thought it was food related. However around 2 months ago I saw a lot of fresh blood after a bowel movement and things have got worse from there. I had a positive fit test (although it was 41, so not very high) and positive calprotectin test (280+). Bloods were essentially normal, abdominal exam seemed to go well, no masses felt etc. I've noticed some black specks in my stool recently (minimal amount) and have had some tummy discomfort. One night I had excruciating pain in my lower left but fingers crossed this hasn't repeated itself. I'm awaiting a colonoscopy but I'm so worried. Can anyone share some ideas as to whether this is likely IBD as I'm going round the bend thinking I have cancer 😥. I'm 31 so Dr is unconcerned about the big C.
Sorry to hear what you're going through and some of what you are experiencing sounds familiar to me as I have been through similar symptoms. Blood in the stool is always a concern but may not necessarily be IBD or cancer. There could be a variety of other issues happening that are not related to these. On the plus side, the colonoscopy is a good test to get more answers. My advice though would be to follow the colonoscopy prep instructions properly so they can have good views. The prep is not always a great experience but without good views, you will not get the answer you're looking for plus you will probably need to take it again. When is your colonoscopy scheduled?
Let us know how you get on.
Vern - IBD Team Memberhi thank you for your response. My GP sent the referral about 10 days ago - I've yet to hear anything yet. But given Xmas is around the corner I doubt it will be any time before then. I'm just driving myself wild with so many thoughts in my head. I have 2 members of my family with autoimmune conditions, one of which is crohns, and a few members of my family have bowel related issues. It's just scary knowing something is wrong, but not knowing what it is. I know it is scary. If you have a family history, I am surprised they have not put it as an urgent request but I agree with Christmas around the corner, things will be slower. It took doctors 6 months to diagnose me and I was dropping weight fast on top of the pain etc.
Keep strong.
Vern - IBD Team Member
