To colonoscopy or not to...

[Belial1134]

Quick background...had some pain on my left side (mostly) in late December/early January. Doctor did some blood work and everything normal. Then I did cat scan and everything normal except mildly enlarged spleen. By this point I was having uncomfortable feeling in my gut area

Then I was sent to a blood doctor and he did loads of more blood work and also was sent for a chest X-ray. All tests and X-ray normal. I was told that the feelings in my gut area was a result of the spleen pushing against the stomach.
Several days later those feelings went away and for a few days I felt normal but a few days later the side pain (mild, more like discomfort than pain) came back.

Just saw my doctor again (1st time he saw me as the first doctor was another partner). He is running some blood work again but said he doesn't think it will show anything and is leaning towards me getting a colonoscopy to rule out IBD and if so, then he is leaning towards IBS.

Now I'm not a doctor at all but from reading the symptoms of each, I just don't really have any of the common IBD symptoms but do have ones for Ibs.

I'm wondering if I should get the colonoscopy or see if another approach can be taken before having to do that. Any suggestion or advice?

I'm kind of thinking about getting a second opinion from a gastro doc since they are the ones who deal with colons. I would hope there would be some other test they can do for IBD. Or perhaps treat me for ibs first and see if that controls the side discomfort. Really want the colonoscopy to be the last resort.

[Belial1134]

Thanks for the reply.

I turned 40 this year.  I don't think they ever figured out why the spleen was enlarged. I did see a blood specialist (oncologist/hematologist) and he tested for a bunch of stuff but everything was negative. He thought it could be some sort of infection that the spleen dealt with and just told me to get another cat scan in mid-march

I felt better for a few days after that but then this whole issue came up. From what I understand, things like IBS could cause an enlarged spleen.

I finally was able to get a GI appt for Monday 2nd and then will get a second option before deciding on the colonoscopy. Originally my apt was the 6th so it feels like a minor victory getting moved up to Monday

[Margot49]

There is a web site called ***********.  Check into that under the GI discussions

[Margot49]

Hi, just saw your post.  Unfortunately, I don't think this is one of the better forums fir some issues.  I have a lot of GI issues and now see a specialist at Stanford so been there/ done that!!  
You aren't saying the doctirs have come up with a reason for the spleen enlargement.  I would sure want that diagnosed!
If you are not going to a goid GI doctor, you should be.  I never hesitate to get a second or even third opinion.  You need a doctor that will pursue your complaints.  
Not sure how old you are but having a colonoscopy might not be a bad idea for screening.  They can do biopsies to rule in or out other conditions during the procedure.  The test itself isn't bad because they can sedate you.  Honestly, the worst part is the prep but you can get through it for  a day and be done with it.  If it were me, and you are still having oribkems, I woukd consult a GI doctor and have the test done.  Depending on symptoms, some doctors also will do an endoscopy at the same time.
Nit sure what meds you are on, or diet, but GI issues can be difficult to handle and sometimes it takes trial and error with different meds and diet.  
I was given Amitiza then Linzess for constipation. Neither realky worked fir me and I fekt horrible.  However, that was my experience. Thise drugs can work very well for some people.  My dictir suggested I try Magnesium Oxide which seems to be helping me.  
I hope you can get some answers and have the colonoscopy.
Good luck