Dr. Yash Kathuria
Family Physician
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I did a home FOB test FOB (fecal occult blood test) for hidden blood am I tested positive. I did have a colonoscopy six months ago, and it was negative for other GI Issues. I also had a CT (computed tomography) scan of my stomach and bowel about two months ago, which was negative. However, I did have some cooked red meat the day before I took the test and some mushrooms. Could this cause this? I am concerned about this, but I was told that generally, if you have had a clear colonoscopy, another one is not recommended for about five years. So is this anything to be concerned about? I have been constipated for three months, and my bowel movements have returned, but they are variable. Sometimes I go once a day, and other times, I can go a few times a day and have diarrhea on a few occasions.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
Regarding your query, you need not worry about any cancerous condition because fob can come positive after red meat. Since your colonoscopy is alright, you should stop thinking about it and focus on your lifestyle and diet. You do not have IBS because you do not have any abdominal pain or discomfort.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
Sorry I had a typing error. My colonoscopy was done about nine months ago. Does that make any difference? I have heard in some places that a colonoscopy is usually valid until about two years ago. Sorry I have just worried myself. This is what I had to eat does this qualify as red meat? About IBS, I get stomach pain when a bowel movement is near, which is usually relieved after going to the toilet. I do have days with normal bowel movements and usually with a least a runny stool. IBS? I do have health anxiety, so sorry for all the questions.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
Yes, meat in any form can cause a false positive test. The fecal immunochemical test is a better one you can undergo annually, giving accurate results. I hope you do not have any family history of colon cancer or cancer. Regarding IBS, yes, if you have abdominal discomfort and loose stools for more than three months, then it is likely IBS. My advice is that you follow the dietary advice that I mentioned. Stress and anxiety may aggravate IBS. Make sure to eat meals, and take your meals timely every day. The excess fiber in your diet is not recommended if you face loose stools more than constipation.
I suggest you take the tablet Drotaverine DS in case of abdominal cramps and a capsule of Lactobacillus acidophilus once daily. Consult a specialist doctor, discuss with them, and take medications with their consent.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
I did not have much meat, only a few bits, but as you say, any form of meat can trigger it. Is a colonoscopy valid for several years, as it is reassuring that the colonoscopy and CT scan were normal? There is no history of family cancer. I do have health anxiety.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
A colonoscopy is recommended every five years if it is normal, and a fecal blood test is to be done annually. So I advise you again not to worry. Anxiety and IBS are directly related. It is a vicious circle. You are completely healthy, do not feel that IBS is a major disease. It is more of a lifestyle problem, which can be cured with time by your positive mental attitude and healthy diet.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
Again so you are advising me to do the faecal blood test again three months time when the year is up and not to worry about nothing at present and that there is nothing major to worry about.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
There is really nothing to worry about. Yes you can repeat FOB after three months.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
That is fine. I will try not to worry about doing more tests for a few months as CT scan and colonoscopy were normal, and concentrate on getting better and try to relax and reduce anxiety. Thanks for your help and reassurance.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
That is wonderful thinking. I wish you a very happy new year, and may you have a healthy and prosperous year.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
That is fine I will try not worry about doing any more tests for a few months as CT Scan and colonscopy were normal and just concentrate on getting better and try to relax and to reduce anxiety. Thanks for your help and reassurance.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
You do not require further CT scans, which would further increase radiation risk. Only focus on your lifestyle, and everything else will fall into place.
Patient's Query
Hi dotor,
Thankyou for the reply.
Sorry I posted the same query twice. I will just do that and not worry about anymore tests. I have read that the FOB is not also accurate anyway. The other thing is with IBS can it happen that you have constipation for a number of months and then bowels start playing up the other way such as diarrhoea some days and having multiple bowel movements on days.
Thanks.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Yes definitely IBS can present in this way, it is called IBS Mixed. You should continue probiotics. Avoid FODMAP diet (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols). List of these food products you will get on the internet, there are some food products that may aggravate IBS symptoms.
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Family Physician
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