GI tract concerns

[concerns4u]

I've had continual discolored stool (yellow, green, orange, black) for years along with daily movements anywhere from 3-6 times.  This has been quite "regular" for me but when asking doctors about this they say it is normal or disregard my concerns.  However, I do not feel that it is "normal".  I have been previously diagnosed with GERD and herniated stomach and have been treated with all the stomach meds available--currently being on aciphex which is now not as effective as before (as all other meds did the same after being on them for an extended period).  I am once again up to 6 to 10 tums daily in addition to my prescribed aciphex to get some relief.  I have cramping which at time are quite unbearable and lately more constant pain on left side of lower GI region as well as more back pain.  Unfortunately, I have lost faith in our medical community here as all the area's general practice physicians are affiliated with our local hospital which has misdiagnosed/mistreated me and other family members in the past.  As mention, I have complained of these symptoms to numerous area physicians for several years thru 2 months ago.  I am concerned as cancer is in my family and from what I have researched the symptoms could possilby be ulcerative colitis/colon cancer.  Can you please help?????

[DorothyMae]

A lot of problems.  Pain under front ribs on right and left side.
Have had a colonoscopy 8 yrs ago.  Have not had one since and am overdue due to a major move we made and a daughter with Leukemia who lives 12 hours from us and we were on the road for over a year.  The diahrrea has been with me for many years prior to colonscopy and still is there.  Had 4 polyps removed.  Dr said they werent cancerous and were not the kind that would turn into cancer.  Recently in the past week or so I have had ultra sound on abdomin, pelvic..CT scan of same areas and barium xrays of  the same areas.  All kind of blood work.  Would polopys show in any of these tests?  One test said I had diverticulosis in colon?  How about the rest of the colon?
Appreciate any feedback from you   Thanks

[Ratnakar Kini]

Hi concerns4u,
Though the discolored stool may not be of much significance, you may have colonoscopy done as a screening procedure since there is a family history of cancer.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.