Need answers

Posted by suzzee3 @suzzee3, Feb 5, 2023

I have been constipated for yr. It seems like the last couple of yrs after I have a bowel movement I keep pushing cause I feel there is still some in there. Finally recently I cleaned up after a bowel movement and bore down and it feels like the lining is kinda fleshy and not normal. Well I had a Dr's appointment the other day and told my Dr who is usually very kind but he was in a fowl mood the moment he walked in which is not like him. I explained my problem and he said I will order a cologaurd for you and walked out. I went to the cologaurd website a little after I got home and did the questionnaire and with my symptoms I am not a candidate for cologaurd. It said to get a colonascpoy as soon as possible because this is a sign of cancer. I am now fearful I let this go to long and am scared it has probably spread even though my recent blood work was fine it showed a little bit of anemia and after looking up my symptoms that's one of the signs. Has anyone ever been through this? Today is Sunday so I am gonna call the Dr's office and get a colonascpoy schedule ASAP. Tank you for any replies. Blessings

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.

Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Feb 6, 2023

@suzzee3
Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect!
If you have checked this Digestive Diseases Support Group you’ll see that chronic constipation is an all too common concern.
However, each one of us is different.
I think it’s a great idea to request a colonoscopy instead of only relying on a cologuard test. You didn’t mention your age, but colonoscopy is appropriate at any age with abnormal colon function.
Find out who your physician recommends and request a referral- or self refer if your health insurance lets you.
Please get back to us with the results! We are all learning from each other.

suzzee3 | @suzzee3 | Feb 6, 2023

Thank you. I am 58. Blessings

Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Feb 7, 2023

In reply to @suzzee3 "Thank you. I am 58. Blessings" + (show)

@suzzee3
Thanks for the information.
At your age over 50 you definitely should have a colonoscopy- or should have had already.

suzzee3 | @suzzee3 | Feb 7, 2023

In reply to @astaingegerdm "@suzzee3 Thanks for the information. At your age over 50 you definitely should have a colonoscopy-..." + (show)

I have had them before and they were all normal. It's been about 12 yrs since I have had one and I got a call from my Dr's office this morning and they are they sent out the referral this morning...thank you Jesus

linh | @linh | Feb 8, 2023

I've dealt with constipation for over a year. It has taken some time and perseverance on my part pushing for proper healthcare in order to sort out and manage it. Over these months I've learned many factors can play into constipation. A colonoscopy as others have recommended can help to rule out serious ones. For that reason it can be very helpful at helping to identify the underlying issues at hand, even if it does so by only ruling things out. In competent hands a colonoscopy is a very route procedure. Something even as simple as a unchecked diaper rash can wreak havoc in the lower G.I. system. Hang in there, help is at hand for those who don't listen to any doctor who may have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed.

annabelle1245 @annabelle1245 | @annabelle6dawgs | Feb 9, 2023

@suzzee3 -
I am not a healthcare practitioner but have read a lot about constipation and suffered from it myself. It turns out for me the cause was taking my nausea medicine Ondansetron. Once I stopped that medication I found a significant Improvement. I have also read that certain pain medications can lead to constipation. I'm glad that you are going to get a colonoscopy because I have lost several friends because their colon cancer was not diagnosed in time. The most recent one died at 28 years old. He had been having GI issues but hadn't seen a doctor because he didn't have insurance. Once he got a job and got insurance he got a colonoscopy but it was too late. I am wishing you well and hoping that you find answers very soon.
annabelle

p95 | @p95 | Feb 9, 2023

Could it be hemorrhoids? Is there a little blood on the toilet paper when you wipe?

Pei-Yi Kim | @balancelife | Aug 9, 2023

When I was slightly anemic I started eating more fruits and vegetables with both high fiber and iron, such as spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes, figs and dates. Perhaps it's worth a try to work more of these foods into your regular diet?

farmersmith | @farmersmith | Feb 11 9:33pm

In reply to @suzzee3 "I have had them before and they were all normal. It's been about 12 yrs since..." + (show)

Best to you Suzzee,
Be sure and ask if you colon is redundant because that can cause slower motility. For your diabetes you might look at the book, The Glucose Goddess METHOD. I like how it gives some four weeks of suggestions for each week and some people just adopt her program from then on. Be sure to work on eating organic and check out how to see what foods help you best.
@farmersmith