worried.

Lilac Lady

Hi folks. Sorry if i shouldnt post this here as I do not have a cancer diagnosis.

My situation is, out of nowhere last Sunday I had a significant bleed when I used the toilet it didnt stop for some time kind of like a nosebleed. I am now terrified. My Dad got rectal cancer in his 60's and died with in 18 months.  I am in the UK and we have bowel screening programes, at 60 hidden blood is tested for in a stool test. I had this it was negative. They have recently in last 2 years introduced flexible sigmoidoscopy for all those aged 55. I missed this as was 60 then and not allowed it. I am now 62.My younger sisters both had it.

I went to my GP first thing monday morning she did an exam of my rectum and said she could not feel anything and has refered me for a sigmoidoscopy. I had expected this to be fairly quick I called my Dr's surgery this morning as asked to do only to be told there will be no referal paperwork until next week which I have to go and pick up then go online and book an appointment at a hospital of my choice. The wait wil be a long time. I really would like it done now. I cant speak to my husband about this as he has had a stroke and i am his carer. I'm just so worried.

mp327

Lilac Lady

I can understand your concerns, for sure.  However, keep in mind that rectal bleeding can be caused by things other than cancer.  However, I'm glad you are following up on this and I hope you can get the sigmoidoscopy done as soon as possible to put your mind at ease.  I send you all good wishes!