Anal Fissure Support Forum

[StevesFissure]

I’ve not had bleeding for years but still have inflammation and burning. Did a fecal sample last year and the calprotectin level was high, can’t tolerate a colonoscopy at present though waiting to speak with a gastroenterologist to discuss possible options

[dmcff]

On the other hand, if the aim is to encourage as many people as possible to screen for bowel cancer, then less-invasive methods like FIT and CT may be preferable to colonoscopy - for not many people are willing to undergo that ordeal on a regular basis. According to the FIT website

The faecal immunochemical test (FIT Test) is now an established bowel cancer test.

[chachacha]

From the National Cancer Institute: FIT is one of the most widely used colorectal cancer screening tests worldwide. Experts generally recommend that people repeat this test every 1 to 2 years. People with a positive FIT test result are advised to have a colonoscopy to investigate the cause of the bleeding because a FIT test alone cannot diagnose cancer.May 5, 2022. I would hesitate to rely solely on the words from the manufacturer.

No doubt though that the FIT test is an amazing screening tool, because many, many, many more people will be willing to do a FIT, rather than a colonoscopy, and it is also much less expensive for the health care system. Those with positive FIT tests can then move on to the more expensive and invasive colonoscopy test.

[dmcff]

Yet there is still some doubt about the effectiveness of colonoscopy:

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/10/09/heal ... index.html

[owmybum]

Sorry to see you’re still having pain. Unfortunately I’m having a relapse too.
It’s interesting that you have been diagnosed with UC as it has been mentioned before to me. Sigh…. It’s a never ending cycle!

[dmcff]

I've had a number of problems, including recurrent falls, hypertension, enlarged prostate, anal fissure, somatization disorder, abdominal pain, quiescent diverticular disease of the large bowel, cholecystolithiasis, periampullary duodenal diverticulum, mild dilatation of extrahepatic bile ducts, pancreatic atrophy, and slowly increasing burden of indeterminate subpleural interstitial lung changes. (quoting my discharge letter)

Add to that UC, and I have an interesting cocktail! I was in hospital for just over 2 weeks - it has taken me until approximately now to get back on my feet again.

While in hospital I had a procedure to remove a stone from a bile duct, which was successful, I'm glad to say.

Sorry you are having a relapse - I hope you feel better soon.