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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
IBS or is it something else?
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.
IBS or is it something else?
by Alex448568, Apr 28, 2007 12:00AM
I am a 46 year-old male, and about 1 ½ years ago I began to experience some lower abdominal pain, along with alternating bouts of constipation/diarrhea. I have been prescribed ranitidine, metroclopromide, and even dicyclomine, which has proved ineffective. At present, the pain is now located in my scrotum and lower colon/rectum. The pain in my scrotum is constant, affecting the whole sac, but at times, it can concentrate on but one testis, either left or right, but never both. I continue to have alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea; the latter more often than the former. Also, blood has been found in my stool. There is no abnormal feel to either of my testis, though one (left) feels slightly larger than the right; slightly. I have yet to undergo a colonoscopy. Have had a blood test, a fecal culture, and urine test; the blood test came back showing that I am “slightly anemic”, urine sample came out clean. The stool sample that was taken had the consistency of pudding, was dark black, and had visible blood. I had a bowel movement the day the stool sample was taken which expelled only blood.
Do you have any idea what I could have?
Thank you for your time, and any medical advice you are willing to provide would be greatly appreciated.
Do you have any idea what I could have?
Thank you for your time, and any medical advice you are willing to provide would be greatly appreciated.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Apr 29, 2007 12:00AM
, Apr 29, 2007 12:00AM
I agree with the colonoscopy. This would rule out masses as well as diseases like inflammatory bowel disease. Other causes of bleeding like polyps or cancer can also be considered.
If the stool is dark black, this may be suggestive of upper GI disease. An ulcer or inflammation of the upper digestive tract can be considered. An upper endoscopy would be the most reasonable test.
If the tests are negative, irritable bowel syndrome can be considered. Increasing the amount of fiber in the diet, as well as the antibiotic Rimaxamin can be considered.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
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.
kevinmd_
If the stool is dark black, this may be suggestive of upper GI disease. An ulcer or inflammation of the upper digestive tract can be considered. An upper endoscopy would be the most reasonable test.
If the tests are negative, irritable bowel syndrome can be considered. Increasing the amount of fiber in the diet, as well as the antibiotic Rimaxamin can be considered.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
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.
kevinmd_
