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HELP!!!! Advice needed

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 10/16/2007 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
I just typed my whole question and somehow deleted it... so irritating...

I need your input.  I am going to my Doc tomorrow and demanding a colonoscopy.  When I was 18 I had a rectal fissure that required surgery (they cut my inner sphincter muscle and repaired the fissure) in 2003 I was having pain and went for a sigmoidoscopy (which they did in the office with no sedative Arggg).  They said everything looked fine. A few days later I ended up in the ED with massive stomach pain.  They took an X-Ray and said that I had firm stool backed up into my ascending colon.  I was diagnosed with IBS and given antispasmodics (that did not help)  I also realized that I was lactose intolerant.  Since then I have had a lot of tummy trouble Ie.. I will go a couple days without going to the bathroom and then will go 9 times in one day.  The stool is never hard but I still have to strain and it always looks narrow/ribbon like.  I ALWAYS have gas and sometimes feel like I'm not done going.  I don't know if this could be scar tissue from my surgery 12 years ago or maybe when they cut my inner sphincter muscle maybe that makes it more difficult for me to fully evacuate.  Or it certainly could just be IBS.

My 3 year old went poo tonight and it looked like my arm... mine always look like they came out of a gerble.  I am so afraid that I could have colon cancer... I'm only 30 please give me your thoughts/advice.

Thanks

Liz

Posted 10/16/2007 11:52 PM (GMT 0)
Your doctor is going to have to be able to justify the need for a colonoscopy, otherwise your insurance might not pay for it. I would simply tell the doctor all of your symptoms, problems, fears. Don't be embarrassed or too modest to get to the nitty-gritty about your stools. All that said, I had my rectal sphincter cut through to facilitate the delievery of my daughter. I know that I was repaired "tight". I too have some very narrow stools. When they get large I tend to rip and get fissures.

Good luck tomorrow. I hope your doctor listens to you and "gets it."
Posted 10/17/2007 5:34 AM (GMT 0)
I would certainly think your prior surgery might have an effect  and it could be scar tissue. I think you can make a case for your colonscopy stressing the discomfort and concern. It is unlikely that it is cancer so try not to think of that but it is something that might be corrected. Kids do have better poo, I have noticed, so do dogs. We seem to have more functional problems. Good luck with your Doctor.

Posted 10/19/2007 6:33 AM (GMT 0)

nyliz said...

My 3 year old went poo tonight and it looked like my arm... mine always look like they came out of a gerble.  Thanks

Liz

tongue Got a good laugh from that!  I know exactly what you mean.  What I find in my cat's litter box makes me envious.  That does not seem fair!

Good suggestions from all.  "Pencil poop" is pretty typical with IBS.  The spasms in the gut will contract and squeeze the stool into those odd shapes.  While it might be the result of your surgery, it does seem odd that you are only experiencing this now, five years later. 

We all worry about cancer but most likely it's something less ominous.  Colonoscopy is the best way to determine what's going on in your gut.  Good luck!  Here's hoping we all someday get to have bm's like a 3 year old!

Posted 10/20/2007 2:41 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all the responses!!! I have four children with VERY healthy digestive systems and I am definitely envious of their large solid BM's. I think sometimes the worry that I feel creates more tummy and bowel trouble than I would have otherwise. I talked to my Doc and they set me up with a GI appointment... on the 26th of December ARRRGGGGG not happy about having to wait so long but I guess there isn't much I can do about that - apparently everyone in the tri-county area around my house is having digestive problems (ha ha) must be in the water :(

Anyway, thanks again - you always make me feel better. Have a great weekend!! And I wish you all an arm size BM today!!! Soft of course :)

Liz
Posted 10/20/2007 10:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hey, don't laugh it could be the water. wouldn't be the first time. good luck with appt. At least you are not having a colonscopy the day after Christmas.
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