Urgent gastro referral has me in a panic!

Hey all,

A little bit of back history so it's not super confusing - I've suffered IBS type symptoms for over 4 years now. My brother has Ulcerative Colitis and was diagnosed maybe 5 or 6 years ago (maybe more, not sure). I recently changed doctors and went to see them to see if I could get further help for my gastro symptoms.

I suffer abdominal pain, bloating, brown(?) mucus in and on stool, constipation, and incomplete evacuation as well as a feeling of rectal discomfort a lot of the time. I have had what seemed like blood on one occasion but it only happened once about two months ago and it might well have been a scratch or tear but who knows. (it was in the toilet water when I tried to go, not on toilet paper though).

Anyway, my doctor referred me to a gastro about a month or so ago, and I just found out I've been referred as an urgent referral which has me absolutely petrified I'm being suspected of something worse. Before the referral I had an ultrasound done and some blood tests - bloods were mostly normal except low levels in iron stores but I'm female and 30 years old so apparently it's common sometimes, I was told I wasn't anaemic yet though. The ultrasound showed everything normal except tiny polyps in my gallbladder which were insignificant.

I haven't had a colonoscopy in the past, and doctors have always said previously that it's very unlikely to be anything to worry about as I am still young, plus they didn't especially think that my symptoms portrayed anything too bad. I did mention to this doctor who referred me though that my brother has ulcerative colitis and my mother has had diverticulitis (only one case though, nothing since and no other bowel problems) so could this be a reason for the urgent referral just to make sure that it's not that?

In terms of bowel cancer, my grandfather on one side of the family has had it, and apparently my grandfather on the other side too. But no immediate family members. They were both diagnosed at an older age (>50). It's gotten me a little freaked out though, as I have severe health anxiety and obviously am thinking worse case scenario.

Anyone got any advise or reassurance and anyone had any experience with referrals? Just don't want to be panicking about this for the next two weeks thinking I've got something serious!

Having no colonoscopy because of being too young is not an excuse. I was 17 when I got diagnosed. Imagine how it would have played out if I was told that I'm too young for a scope. I'm 30 now.

I would not be too concerned because of urgent referral my GI takes about 4 months to get an appointment if not urgent so your doc felt that you should be seen sooner. The fact that it's several weeks means it's not an emergency or he would have had you in that week.

I am not saying your symptoms are not urgent but I would rest easy and relax. Hope you get better ASAP.