Colonoscopy waiting times?

FormerMember over 4 years ago

3 replies
177 subscribers
847 views

Hi there! I'm new to this group so I'll give a little background information.

I've had bleeding from my back passage, change in stool, abdominal bloating/pain, extreme fatigue etc since about april last year. I ignored it as my grandma was diagnosed with incurable lung cancer early may and I cared for her until she passed aged 68 in August.

Fast forward, I finally went to the doctor in November and had a blood test/ stool sample (clear of infection), examination of back passage for piles (none). Referred to hospital on the 21st december for a colonoscopy but still not had a date come through.

How long are people waiting for appointments atm?

I'm so scared now and I wish I hadn't been so stupid and waited so long to see a doctor, as everything seems to be taking so long and no one else seems to be concerned that it might be cancer as I'm only 27.

Any advise would be really appreciated, sorry for the long post!

court over 4 years ago

Hi . Welcome to the forum . You have done exactly what we would recommend now and that’s the main thing . Getting it checked out . Everyone needs to know why they have bleeding . I am not certain but my father in law was referred for a colonoscopy and the waiting time here was nearer three months . He was going to go private at £2000 but his stool sample was clear in the end .

There are so many other conditions that can cause rectal bleeding . And by far the most people that pass through here with rectal bleeding do not have cancer but some other condition. But well done you for getting checked to ensure . Bowel cancer can be very slow growing and when caught early very treatable.

Take care ,

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

FormerMember over 4 years ago in reply to court

Wow 3 months is a long time! Hope he is well now.

IBD has been mentioned and the symptoms are so similar, the only thing I can say for me personally is that I dont get 'flare ups' of symptoms it's just constant.

I think I'm just worried that I wont be taken seriously because of my age!

Thankyou for your reply xx

court over 4 years ago in reply to FormerMember

I understand but there has been a lot of awareness work done on bowel cancer within a younger age group . Given your GP has referred you for a colonoscopy would make me think you will be given the attention you need to resolve this . If you are at all worried you could Google the Nice guidelines on colonoscopies criteria for the NHS , then you could at least use it to advocate for yourself if it became needed .

Hope that’s not the case though .

Your area might be in better shape and I am not sure what the demand will be just now .

take care ,

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000