I went for a visit with a specialist for rectal pain and hemorrhoids and during the exam he tested me for "hidden blood" doing a stain in the office. This test turned out to be positive, and during a follow up visit he told me I would need a colonoscopy and x-rays of the small intestines- even though my symptoms are gone and I'm feeling okay. When I protested all these tests he gave me an order for a barium enema, and acted very concerned I might have something serious.
I went for a second opinion to a gastroenterologist who didn't think the barium enema was a good idea but he sent me home with an occult blood test and will discuss the issue further when I get the results. He also had mentioned a colonoscopy. I was taking Tequin during the first hidden blood test and eating red meat, taking iron etc..
My question is if my second occult test comes back negative is it necessary to go through a colonoscopy, and couldn't the test in the doctor's office be a false positive from the hemorrhoids? I have no symptoms of colon cancer but have mitral valve prolapse and supraventricular tachycardia. I take inderal and xanax. I'd rather not take the risk of an unnecessary test. I am a thin 42 year old female, non-smoking, non-drinking with no history of colon cancer in my family.