Gastroenterology consult

[karens]

I was wondering what happens at the initial gastro. consultation for diarrhea symptoms.  Is a colonoscopy part of the exam?? My doc set up an appt. for me with a specialist because I have had diarrhea for the last few months. (seemed to get a little "less urgent" after discontinuing blood pressure meds. but still annoying enough.) What exactly does the doc do besides ask a bunch of questions about eating habits, etc?????

[jiya1490]

A related discussion, pain in lower stomach was started.

[kimbacat]

just focus on the poor doc.  it can't be very pleasant for him either :)

no, really, it will help to figure out what is going on.  it's kind of like taking a med you know is nasty but will make you feel better.  and while I do have a "won't be doing that test again" list, a rectal exam never came close to being an entry on that list.  

good luck, I know what it's like to plan your life around bathroom visits and it's no fun at all.

[karens]

Well, I guess that doesn't sound toooo bad. I suppose if it helps to solve my little problem of wondering where the next toilet will be I can manage to deal with it.  Thanks so much for the information. I couldn't find any info at all as to what the exam consisted of. I'm glad I found this place!!  Thanks again! karen

[kimbacat]

don't worry, Karen, most people are!  the gi part of the physical exam will be done with a nurse in the room just like gyno visits.  it usually consists of you lying on your back and the doc pressing down (not real hard) on different places on your abdomen near the edge of your rib cage on both sides and sometimes a bit lower (but not in the pelvic area).  s/he's checking for enlargement of your liver and spleen.  s/he is also feeling for any obvious masses or tender areas.  s/he will also use a stethescope on your abdomen to listen for bowel sounds.  for a rectal exam, you'll be lying on your side with a drape over you.  the doc will visually inspect your anus for signs of fissures (kind of like paper cuts), external hemorrhoids, or visible signs of infection like an abscess.  then s/he will insert a finger to check for internal masses, abscesses or hemorrhoids.  a lubricant is used and s/he doesn't go in very far.  if you are anxious about it, tell the doc.  slow, deep breaths will help keep you from tensing up and making it more uncomfortable.  I never found it any worse than a gyno exam, if that helps any.  take care

[karens]

okay- so never having had a rectal exam, what exactly does that entail? They  already gave me the litle bottles for the stool sample. That's not a problem. I'm just wondering what they're going to physically do to me. Never had anybody "back there" before. I'm a bit shy.

[kimbacat]

Karen,

sigmoidoscopies and colonoscopies require that you clean the bowel out, so unless they said you would be getting one of them and gave you bowel prep instructions, you won't have either one.  most likely the visit will consist of a complete medical history and a thorough physical exam.  that includes a rectal exam and probably an occult blood test to check for blood in your stool.  with chronic diarrhea, the doc will want to rule out infection as a possible source.  this requires a stool sample.  you'll be given plastic container to take home.  make sure you understand the instructions completely.  some of the tests require you to obtain samples over a 2 or 3 day period.  

you always have the right to postpone or refuse a test or exam.  good luck with finding some relief.