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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Hoping that's all it is...
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
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.
Hoping that's all it is...
by montana girl, May 21, 2004 12:00AM
Around the age of 18 I was diagnosed with endometriosis. During an endoscopic procedure the doctor noticed some polyps and casually mentioned that I should keep an eye on them. Being 18, I mostly ignored this until my early 20's when I began noticing some abdominal tenderness, bloating, diarrhea, constipation and hard, pellet-shaped bowel movements. The doctor labeled it IBS and suggested Metamucil. I adjusted and moved on. I am now 28 years old and one year ago I gave birth to my son. In the past six months (roughly) I have experienced major weight loss (6' 190 pre-pregnancy weight to 6' 159 post-pregnancy), abdominal tenderness, both sharp and dull pain, painful intercourse, excessive gas, cramping, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. My doctor feels confident that my endometriosis is aggressively returning and I guess the rest could be explained by IBS. I'm just terrified that I've waited too many years to deal with these polyps that I pretended didn't matter. Do you think that cancer is a realistic fear at this point?
I would appreciate your feedback.
I would appreciate your feedback.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, May 22, 2004 12:00AM
, May 22, 2004 12:00AM
Bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation certainly can be caused by irritable bowel syndrome.
However, before attributing it to that, you may want to consider a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. This can evaluate for more serious diseases and causes, as well as monitoring the polyps. Any changes in bowel habits can certainly be due to anatomical changes within the colon.
An abdominal CT scan can be considered if the endoscopy is negative.
If all the tests remain negative, then treatment for IBS can be considered via increasing fiber intake as well as antispasmodic agents.
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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
However, before attributing it to that, you may want to consider a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. This can evaluate for more serious diseases and causes, as well as monitoring the polyps. Any changes in bowel habits can certainly be due to anatomical changes within the colon.
An abdominal CT scan can be considered if the endoscopy is negative.
If all the tests remain negative, then treatment for IBS can be considered via increasing fiber intake as well as antispasmodic agents.
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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
