shannonlob : I don't know if this eases your mind while you wait, but I've read that it usually takes at least three to five years for a polyp to develop and grow to a size where it is a significant risk. That doesn't mean there aren't cases where it happens faster, but if you had a colonoscopy three years ago, the odds are on your side that if there is anything new, you'll catch it before it becomes serious. unfortunately there are so many conditions, both serious and not, that present with those symptoms that you really have to wait and see what the test says. Good luck on Monday.
lucyinthesky : Have you tried experimenting with different fiber supplements? I have a feeling that much of my own worry over the last few weeks was because I was using the wrong kind of fiber. I was worried about constipation and so ate a lot of bran cereal which consists mostly of insoluble fiber. This kind of fiber actually causes things to move too quickly through your system resulting in frequent need to go, straining, cramping and soft, often thinned stools.
For about four days now I have switched to a soluble fiber supplement (metamucil) and the difference is stunning. I don't think I've ever had such 'normal,' easy, healthy looking bm's.
You should certainly touch base with a GI since your family history means that you will probably need to get yourself checked out more frequently and earlier than most and you'll want to find soeone you can trust early in life. But in the meantime, give soluble fibers a try.
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