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Had lower right pain. CT shows rectal thickening. Colonoscopy coming.
I started off feeling like something was “there” or swollen on my mid right side. Then my lower side started to hurt especially when I press down. There would also be gurgling sounds sometimes.
My lower belly pouch under my
Belly button also felt hard and lumpy.
Saw an np and did a abdomen and pelvic ct. it showed scattered diverticuli and asymmetric thickening of the rectum.
The np gave my a stat referral for gi because I need to do a colonoscopy with biopsy as rectal thickening that is asymmetrical can mean malignancy.
I’m only in my 30s and have anxiety. This is my first colonoscopy and I’m not sure what’s wrong with me. The fact they are testing for cancer is concerning.
I’m also scared it’s a disease.
I did a four day liquid diet which helped with the right side pain and I completely changed my diet to low residue and cut out many things especially gluten and dairy as I had intolerances with it for awhile but would still eat it every now and then.
Had anyone dealt with this before? I’m not sure what’s wrong with me and the Dr seems to be doing his best to not speculate.
I do have frequent constipation but don’t have rectal bleeding or diarrhea since this started. I did also get some lower left pain too but mostly it was gas and constipation.
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@sunnyday23
Have you had autoimmune and allergy testing from a rheumatologist and immunologist?
Have you had an endoscopy with biopsies,
abdominal ultrasound and HIDA scan to check gallbladder function?
@sunnyday23
It sounds like you are dealing with inflammation. You may benefit from seeing a nutritionist/dietitian to review diet, supplements, etc.
Do you take any medications and have you been diagnosed with anything throughout your young life?
Sorry for your suffering…getting thoroughly tested is so important ! Taking care of things sooner than later can make a big difference ! It does help to modify diet, takes the stress off of your digestive system, something many people don’t consider…it really helped me..wishing you the best.
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1 Reaction@dlydailyhope I have some acid reflux but I manage it with eating on time and drinking enough water. Soda and certain foods like cabbage cause more “gas” so I don’t consume those.
Other than that while I have other things that’s been going on for a few years it doesn’t seem related to my current problem.
I’m not on any medications other than Allegra sometimes for allergies.
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1 Reaction@dlydailyhope I haven’t seen any doctors for autoimmune or allergy testing. I haven’t had insurance in years and have another health issue that makes it difficult to work at times. But I’ve had it for a few years and it doesn’t seem related to this new issue.
I definitely will stay away from gluten and dairy as I know it causes me bloating etc however it doesn’t seem like celiac.
I don’t think I’ll be able to handle the celiac testing because it seems in order to test for it you need to eat gluten. There is a blood test but some websites say it’s not too reliable.
I haven’t done any biopsy or hida test it abdominal ultrasound.
At first the np did suspect gallbladder because od the side pain but I also started to feel it on my lower right.
She seemed more concerned with the rectal thickening as it could mean malignancy. She said I have diverticulosis and that’s it. No one has given me info on what I should be doing or anything about the liquid diet. I did it on my own after doing research. I thought exercise would’ve helped some weeks ago and rode my bike around the neighborhood only to feel like my colon especially on the sides felt almost swollen or inflamed. I guess it was too much movement or roughness.
The ct scan I did I don’t believe mentioned the gallbladder but other organs are ok. I did the scan without contrast and the report did note they may not see certain organs because no dye was given.
I’m very nervous about the colonoscopy in general but I know there might be inflammation. Your other comment you mentioned I may have some. Apparently it’s not a good idea to do a colonoscopy if one has inflammation in the colon. So I’m nervous about the dr blowing air in there in case it cause something to happen since the colon would slightly expand.
I didn’t mention this in the original post but I tried to do the sigmoidoscopy two weeks ago but it was quite tender back there and the scope couldn’t go through. They don’t usually sedate for the sigmoidoscopy and I didn’t think it would hurt.
Dr said my anal muscles are tight and is spasming so he prescribed an ointment for me to use to make the area less tender. Seems like the ointment is for anal fissures although the didn’t diagnose me with that.
Also I apologize for the long reply. I was trying to be thorough with the information.
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2 Reactions@sunnyday23
First, the NP should not be talking about malignancy without any specific testing to indicate this. That is just causing fear of the unknown which doesn’t help.
From what I read, a gastroenterologist needs to do a colonoscopy to help properly diagnose and treat the root cause of your anal thickening. There is nothing I read that said getting a colonoscopy is risky to help diagnose you properly. The air used is minimal and for a short time. I have had 3.
Abdominal ultrasound and bloodwork are standard for a gastrointestinal doctor to help diagnose you properly and usually done prior to colonoscopy. A HIDA scan does not show masses but it does show how your gallbladder functions/moves/processes fatty foods. I had this done due to abdominal pain and it showed my gallbladder only functioning at 7% when it should be a minimum of 35-40%. Gallbladder pain can be on your right side but it could be anywhere in your abdomen because the pain can radiate to the left and lower areas, too. It can even cause some chest pain.
I would not fear getting the colonoscopy and would not delay any further getting it done. You need to get to the root cause of the problem so you get properly treated.
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2 Reactions@sunnyday23 are there organizations that help people who don’t have insurance ?…… Colonoscopy is not as bad as it used to bev, and in some cases it’s life-saving… do people without insurance go to the ER and get referred for c’scope from there ? Any ideas ? Anyone one here have suggestions for sunnyday23 ?
@sunnyday23 - I'm sorry to hear about your pain, constipation and concern that your symptoms could represent cancer or another disease.
I'm tagging a few members who may know something about the rectal thickening you referred to and the pain you've experienced. They also may be familiar with the colonoscopy with biopsy you have upcoming and your concerns for the possibility of cancer or another disease. Please meet @frances007 @geriincary @lillyann @travelgirl @virgo1952 and others in this discussion.
How is the ointment working so far? Are you feeling any effects?
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