Routine checks

Hi Debh1 ,

I did my first bowel screening 2 years ago at 58 so I would have been approaching the 6 years post treatment mark. On the letter I received it stated if you’d had any form of bowel surgeries or interventions & wanted to take the test (which I did) then to give the bowel screening unit a call to discuss. I spoke with a wonderful nurse who was very empathetic, I explained about my diagnosis & subsequent treatment & that sometimes I would have a little blood, especially after a particularly difficult bowel movement, she said the only thing the test does is look for traces of blood in the sample it can’t detect where the blood has come from. She said in view of my history not to panic if I was recalled for further tests as the likelihood would be if blood was detected it would be nothing to be concerned about. My results came back completely clear. I’ve just received notification that another test kit is winging its way to me so I’ll make the call again before I do it just in case a note wasn’t added to my file. 

Hope that helps a little. 

Nicola 

Hi

Don't really know if this is any help or not. I had to do the poo test while I was being diagnosed with ac. I had a little blood occasionally on wiping and I mean a microscopic amount and my poo test came back clear. Xx

Hello Debh

I received a kit through the post whilst I was having treatment!  I emailed them and told them and actually had a response which both surprised and impressed me and they said they had noted it on file and I would start getting reminders in a few years.  

Please don't worry - I had blood with a tiny hard poo!

Irene xx

Hi Debh1,

 I can understand your anxiety about what the test might trigger, but it does sound like you have had some really helpful advice from other forum members in terms of letting them know your history and symptoms.

The kits are sent out purely based on age as part of a national screening programme, which is good, but there is no cross referencing with your medical history.

 I was sent one while I was waiting for my biopsy results and strangely it was negative. Having had ac I suppose we are monitored in that area more than most and the kits are aimed at early detection for people who have no symptoms.

Definitely worth giving them a call. Xx