Accelerating Colonoscopy Appointment for Ongoing Symptoms (UK, 29-Year-Old Male)
Hello everyone, I’m a 29-year-old man who moved to the UK from Eastern Europe. Earlier this year in January, I consulted with my general practitioner because I noticed blood on toilet paper, experienced persistent bloating, and observed changes in my bowel movements. After undergoing blood and stool examinations, the results appeared normal. My doctor recommended increasing my fiber intake, which initially alleviated my symptoms. Unfortunately, this summer, my condition deteriorated significantly. Now, in addition to the initial issues, I am experiencing swollen lymph nodes—two in my groin, one on my lower back, and a smaller one near my armpit. Throughout the summer, I have reached out to my GP 4 to 5 times for further evaluation. Additional blood tests, including assessments of liver and kidney function, returned normal results. Some healthcare providers suggested that hemorrhoids or an anal fissure might be the culprits. One of the GPs arranged for a stool sample test, which indicated the presence of H. pylori. I completed a week-long treatment with antibiotics; however, my symptoms worsened, and I began to notice blood daily for about a week subsequent to that. In follow-up stool tests, the results were: - FIT test: negative - Calprotectin: 114 I was subsequently referred for a colonoscopy, but I have been informed that the waiting period could be extensive. My current symptoms include: - Daily visibility of blood on toilet paper - Persistent abdominal bloating (constant) - Swollen lymph nodes that have lasted for months (in groin, back, and armpit) - Despite using Anusol, I continue to experience bleeding every one to two days I cannot afford to go private, so I am wondering if there are steps I can take to hasten my colonoscopy appointment. Would it be prudent to request an ultrasound of my lymph nodes in the meantime? I appreciate any guidance or suggestions you can offer. Thank you!
Answers (1)
8/3/2025, 11:50:50 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel anxious when facing ongoing and concerning symptoms like yours. Your symptoms of blood in stool, persistent bloating, and swollen lymph nodes warrant attention, and it is important to safely navigate your options while waiting for the colonoscopy.
Key Points:
- You have several troubling symptoms that have persisted and worsened since your initial visit to the GP.
- Your repeated requests for further evaluation indicate your concern, and you may want to consider ways to expedite your colonoscopy or further investigations.
Explanation:
Your history suggests potential gastrointestinal issues, especially given the presence of blood and abnormal bowel symptoms. The swelling of lymph nodes, while often benign, can signal an underlying condition that warrants further evaluation. The colonoscopy is a crucial step in ruling out serious conditions, but long waiting times can be frustrating.
Next Steps:
-
Contact Your GP:
- Express your ongoing symptoms and their impact on your quality of life. Given the changes and worsening condition, emphasize that the blood visibility and lymph node swelling are concerning. Ask if there's any way to flag your case for earlier review due to the changing severity of your symptoms.
-
Request an Ultrasound:
- Request an ultrasound to assess the swollen lymph nodes. This non-invasive imaging can help determine if there's any cause for concern and may provide reassurance or prompt further action, depending on the findings.
-
Document Your Symptoms:
- Keep a symptom diary to track the frequency, severity, and nature of your symptoms. This documentation can support urgent requests for further testing.
-
Consider Diet and Hydration:
- Maintain hydration and consider your dietary choices. A high-fiber diet is generally beneficial, but if you're experiencing increased bloating, it might be worth consulting about specific dietary adjustments that could alleviate discomfort.
-
Follow-Up:
- If your symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear (like fever, significant changes in weight, or severe pain), reach out to your GP promptly.
While it’s important to be proactive, try to remain patient with the process as well, as it can take time for appointments in the NHS. If you experience severe symptoms in the meantime, you may also consider visiting local urgent care services or the emergency department if you believe your situation has become acute.
Related Questions
Pain, Redness, and Bumps Following a Tick Bite
About a week and a half ago, I had an encounter with a tick on my hip. The tick was attached for less than twelve hours. I managed to remove it without any complications and did not seek any medical intervention at that time. Fast forward to now, I’ve developed unexpected pain at the site of the bite, along with 5 to 8 raised, pimple-like bumps. These areas are notably red and swollen, with the irritation spreading towards my groin lymph node. I can’t see a classic bullseye pattern, likely due to a large tattoo covering that section, but the redness is quite pronounced. Aside from this, I haven’t experienced any other symptoms. I received a prescription for antibiotics that I am starting today, yet I'm interested to know if anyone else has faced similar issues after being bitten by a tick. Could these reactions indicate an allergy to tick saliva? What might explain the delayed onset of these symptoms? I think the tick was a male deer tick. Thank you!
Concerns About a Small, Hard Lump in My Bicep
I’m a 26-year-old assigned female at birth but identify as male. I weigh 145 pounds and stand at 5 feet 7 inches tall. Generally, I maintain good health and regularly engage in bodybuilding and weightlifting, without the use of steroids. Recently, I discovered a small, hard lump on my right bicep. It is movable and tender, causing me considerable concern. I have well-defined muscle in that area, and I regularly monitor my biceps for signs of progress, so I know this lump hasn’t been there for long. There's been no injury or bite to that part of my arm that could explain its sudden appearance. Although it resembles a lymph node, I am not experiencing any illness, cuts, or other signs that would typically lead to swelling and pain in that region. My health has been stable, but I can’t shake the anxiety that this might be an early indication of a tumor. Could anyone please provide insights or guidance regarding this situation?
19-Year-Old Man Experiencing Boils on Buttocks
I'm unsure if this warrants a visit to a doctor, but I've been dealing with an uncomfortable situation for the past week. It all began when I noticed boils forming on my body; the initial two developed on the back of my thighs and one near my left buttock, close to where it meets the crack. I was prescribed Amoxicillin combined with Potassium Clavulanate for a couple of days. While the first boils drained, they didn't fully heal because of the friction from my clothing. Subsequently, another boil emerged near my testicles, which also drained and eventually closed up. However, more have since appeared, prompting my doctor to switch my medication to Ciprofloxacin and some reddish-pink pills. After starting this new treatment, I noticed my urine became a bright yellow, even after increasing my water intake. Now I have six additional boils on my buttocks and live in dread that one might form on my penis or testicles. I've come here to seek advice before I seek in-person medical attention.
Concerns for My Brother: Could This Indicate Schizophrenia?
I'm deeply troubled about my brother and pondering whether he might be experiencing schizophrenia. We've recently learned that he has been using marijuana since he was a teenager. Now at 28, his behavior has become increasingly erratic. He frequently makes alarming statements such as, "I'm going to die soon," and claims he has the ability to read others' thoughts. On one occasion, he even told me I was "possessed." After spending some time on his own, he has moved back in with us. Currently, he spends hours wandering around the house, talking to himself, and at times, engaging in arguments with imaginary people. He believes our neighbor is monitoring him and has mentioned that one of the locals is Russian—this seems to change daily. My father frequently has to intervene to calm him down. He has also neglected personal hygiene, alternating between pacing and lying in his bed. Just a few days ago, he became aggressive and smashed his phone, convinced that others were observing him. During a simple conversation I was having with my dad about VPNs, he abruptly erupted in a tirade about being spied on and asserted that he had also purchased a VPN. His anger comes out of nowhere, and he bizarrely discusses war without any context. The list goes on. With two uncles diagnosed with schizophrenia, both having developed the condition around his age, my fear intensifies. He adamantly refuses any assistance. I long for my old brother—the one who was once so outgoing and strong—and it’s heartbreaking to see how much he has changed.
Understanding Questions from Ultrasound Technicians
Recently, I underwent a pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound, during which the technician inquired if I had an intrauterine device (IUD). Interestingly, my medical form did not indicate that I had one. I want to clarify that I'm not trying to come across as disrespectful or uninformed, but it led me to wonder: shouldn't the technician be capable of identifying whether or not I had an IUD based on the ultrasound images? What could be the reason behind that question?