Charlie84

I am 40 yr old obese female.  I have a history with hemorroids (hemorrhoids) since my earlier 20's flare ups on/off through the years.  I normally have 1-3 bowel movements daily - Normally soft stools.  Over the last 6 months or so I have been having a pain in the rectal area and a feeling that I have not quite emptied my bowel.  My bowel movements range from soft to hard.  No diarreha, No blood in stool.  No constipation but a feeling of constipation or gas.
What really bothers me is a crampy feeling I have.  Feels like it is low in the back and wraps around to the side.  Makes me crampy and irritable.  About 2 months the doctor ckecked me and advised my hemorroids (hemorrhoids) were inflamed and took a stool sample which showed no blood in the stool.  The crampy pain and back pain are getting worse. Therefore I went to OBGYN and she did not feel if was a female problem but ran a CA-125 test and I just received the results.  She advised that the normal limits statewide were under 35.  However the lab they use has a cut off of 21.  My results were 21.  Therefore she has referrred me to an OBGYN oncologist.  In one statement she stated I was w/in normal limits and then next she stated I was not according to the lab. Needless to say I am freaking out.  I do not know if my symptoms relate to colon or ovarian. I was wondering if you could shed some light on my symptoms and the CA-125.  

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Regarding the borderline CA-125 results, you can follow-up with a pelvic ultrasound to further evaluate the ovaries for possible cancer.

The rectal pain can be further evaluated with an endoscopy - either a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.

An anal fissure can be considered as well - and this can be evaluated by a surgeon.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician, or in conjunction with a gastroenterologist.

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.

Kevin, M.D.
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