Scared need a colonoscopy

[Dutchie]

Hi I am new to this forum. I am 50 years old and suffer with health anxiety.
in 2016 I was diagnosed with Melanoma in situ and I took it really bead an my anxiety just spiralled.
Seen a therapist for counselling and was put on Citalopram which I now stopped taking.
I took part in the national screening for bowel cancer and my fit test came back positive so now need a colonoscopy.
The colonoscopy does not scare me it is the outcome. I have always suffered with IBS and is worse when I am anxious.
So my bowel movements have always been all over the place. I do get the bad urgency bowel movements as well on occasion.
So I am trying not to spin out of control and one moment I am really calm about it all and the next thing the anxiety just cripples me.
i always been bad for thinking the worst and i am trying so hard to be positive but my brain goes I need to think the worst so it would not happen and i know that is so irrational.
I do meditate to calm myself down.
Thank you for just even taking the time to read this.

[BlueIris]

This happened to my husband and I was terrified. They took a bunch of polyps out and told him to come back in a few years. It's not about having cancer, it's about preventing it.

I know that doesn't help - sending positive vibes your way and message me any time you need.

[Dutchie]

Thank you so much for replying. I so know it is for prevention and I am fine one minute and the next the anxiety will just take over. I will keep you posted. Need to wait 4-6 weeks for the appointment.

[BlueIris]

You've got this, promise!

[Dutchie]

Thank you so much ��

[uma5608]

Hey I can see this is from April so a while ago, I really hope it all went well for you. Reading your message was exactly how I feel right now. I mentioned to gp ibs worries so sent off a FIT TEST and now it’s come back positive! 2 week cancel referral off to clinic Monday, but as you explained so well anxiety kicked in and bowel and stomach all over the place now waiting and worrying. Just dreading a bad outcome. Do hope you’re ok ��

[NoraB]

Hey I can see this is from April so a while ago, I really hope it all went well for you. Reading your message was exactly how I feel right now. I mentioned to gp ibs worries so sent off a FIT TEST and now it’s come back positive! 2 week cancel referral off to clinic Monday, but as you explained so well anxiety kicked in and bowel and stomach all over the place now waiting and worrying. Just dreading a bad outcome. Do hope you’re ok ��

Hi Uma,

My husband has had two FIT tests come back positive - two colonoscopies and neither showed any cancer. He does have problems with his Rockford Files though (piles) where they bleed.

I know it's scary, but try not to spiral.. (cancer is the least likely cause, but it still has to be ruled out and a two week referral is standard for a positive FIT)

I've had a colonoscopy myself and I quite enjoyed mine... (Though I think the sedation had something to do with that, lol)