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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)

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Better define 'change in bowel habits'

Answered by

Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine

Kevin, M.D. Boston - MA

This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.

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MedHelp Member's Question

Better define 'change in bowel habits'

by dls1857, Oct 08, 2003 12:00AM

Tags: bowel, Cancer, colonoscopy, Colon Cancer

Could you please better define what is meant by "a change in bowel habits"? Does this mean just diarrhea, blood, and constipation, or does a change in the frequency and time count?

For several months my husband has had an increase in the frequency of bowel movements. Almost every day now he has a bowel movement immediately upon awakening in the morning. Sometimes he wakes up during the night to have one. He often has more than two bowel movements per day now (1 every day or two was normal.) He has not mentioned diarrhea or blood in his stools but is very private about this. He is 52, obese, sedentary, quit smoking a year ago, has sleep apnea and high cholesterol (refuses treatment for both) and has a family history of lung cancer. He is fatigued every day but has not lost weight that is apparent. He refuses to have a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy or even complete a fecal occult blood test.

Is this change of concern? Just need to know for myself since I'm sure he will refuse to go through any tests. Thanks in advance for any information or guidance you can provide.

Doctor's Answer

by Kevin Pho, MD

, Oct 09, 2003 12:00AM

Change in bowel habits can include any constant changes in bowel frequency, color, consistency, or shape. Any of these warrants further evaluation especially in those over the age of 50.

Even if he was completely asymtommatic, it is recommended that a screening endoscopy (either a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy) be performed. Given these symptoms, it is even more important that endoscopy be done.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,

Kevin, M.D.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,

Kevin, M.D.

Member Comments (7)

by bmw1, Oct 08, 2003 12:00AM

To: dls1857

At the age of 64 my father experienced a 'change in bowel habits' (back in 1984) which involved more frequent trips to the bathroom. Eventually, my mother urged him to see the doctor and he did. The PCP did no tests and said not to worry about it. Six months later, the problem continued and he went back to the doctor who finally ordered a colonoscopy. Advanced colon cancer was detected which eventually metastatized and he died two years later at the age of 66. My father was not obese, though was sedentary and a light smoker.

I would do whatever you can to get your husband to see a doctor and have a colonoscopy performed. It should be a regular thing at age 50 anyway. I started having colonoscopy screenings at 40 because of the family history. Early detection is key.

I don't mean to sound alarmist, and I am not a doctor, but 'changes in bowel habits' are always mentioned as a reason to consult a doctor promptly if they do not resolve. Perhaps if my father had done this earlier he would still be alive. Of course, there are many reasons other than cancer for these symptoms, but only a colonoscopy can be definitive.

by dls1857, Oct 09, 2003 12:00AM

Thank you for the comments. After I heard from you both, I relayed the information and suggested to him that he contact the doctor. He acted like I had two heads and dismissed the idea. Does anyone have any ideas for convincing him to follow up with his doctor?

Or maybe I should give up on him and just keep the funeral home on speed dial! Very frustrating.

by eveningstar, Oct 10, 2003 12:00AM

To: dls1857

Ask your husband to seek medical help out of love for you. Try to convince him that these health problems are treatable and curable NOW in an early stage, not later. If he doesn't care about himself enough to take action, ask him if he could do it for your sake and for other family members. Tell him that the end stage of colon cancer and other diseases would be MUCH MUCH worse than the testing that he now needs to go thru. I wish you success and luck with this matter.

by tessa0825, Oct 10, 2003 12:00AM

There is really no way to convince someone else to take care of themself or seek medical attention before they are ready to....I did this for my husband, ex-husband now, once and it worked..I was very worried about his cholesterol and triglceride readings, I was sure they were probebaly sky high as he had quit smoking but had gained more than 80lbs in the following yr. He would not go to the Dr. so I went to the lab and prepaid for the two tests and then put the receipt in his father's day card from one of the kids along with a note from them......A little extreme but it worked.....Tessa

by bmw1, Oct 10, 2003 12:00AM

To: dls1857

I echo the comments above. If he does not want to do this for himself, then he should want to do it for you/family - out of love and respect. Of course, it is easier for someone NOT having these issues to say to someone having them that they should take action. Maybe that person is in denial, and is really masking fear of what may be found by putting up a facade of 'bravado'.

But I tell you - and you should tell him - it is far better to take action now and know the truth (which, after all, may just be something minor and not life-threatening) than it is to watch someone you love waste away from a highly treatable form of cancer, if caught early enough.

I know, because I've seen it. I wish you the best of luck with your situation.

by dls1857, Oct 14, 2003 12:00AM

Thanks much for everyone's input. Despite lots of reasons for him to see the doctor he still refuses. It does hurt that he won't do anything to take care of himself and try to insure a longer, healthier life. Considering that it might mean the difference between death and us growing old together or seeing our children grow up, graduate, marry, etc., I think his refusal speaks volumes about how much he cares about us. I've now decided that I've done all I can in this situation. I'm not going to make seeing that he stays well my responsibility any longer since he chooses to totally ignore his responsibility for his health.

I truly appreciate the insight you've all brought. I read the following somewhere years ago and it is so true: While we don't know what the future holds, we know WHO holds the future. So I'm putting this in God's hands and I will pray for all the people seeking help in this forum. Bless everyone who provides answers and assurances to the seekers.

by tessa0825, Oct 14, 2003 12:00AM

Don't take his refusal to see a Dr. as something personal against you and the rest of your family...I bet he cares very much for his family, he might just have some kind of phobia about seeing a Dr......Also, maybe he really believes he doesnt feel as bad as what you think he feels....Lots of people dont go to Drs. for many reasons....We are only responsible for making sure we take ourselves and underage children for healthcare....If you ignore this situation, that might get him thinking about going, more so than constantly trying to get him to go.....If he thinks you have given up on it then he will get worried....Have to use reverse psychcology (sometimes) with husbands you know....good luck, Tessa

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