Colon Nightmare

[Beakaldo]

For many years now I have suffered with severe pain in the lower left abdomen, which builds up for about an hour and then goes.  The condition normally lasts a couple of days and then passes.  On average the condition strikes about once every two months.  My GP send me for kidney stone xrays, blood tests and to the gastro specialist, but all have been normal and the specialist has not conducted any investigation other than an ultrasound (which is no good for looking at the colon!).
Within the last 4-6 months I have noticed that I get very constipated and when I eventually go to the toilet, my stools are solid and hard looking.  They often have thick white streaks through them and are coated in a white fur.  Yesterday I saw what looked like fresh blood in one of the white streaks.  Yesterdays bowel movement was only a small one and was only the second one I have had in two full weeks.
Altough I am not in mega pain at the moment I am getting occasional painful spasms.  I visited the doctor today and she performed an examination.  She said that I was empty inside the rectum and whatever was in there must have gone.  The examination was normal.  I still feel bloated and I know that there is still two weeks of waste kicking around inside my large bowel. I am very concerned that I am developing a bowel obstruction or have a partial one.  I am also concerned that something is not right in my colon and that there is some sort of structural problem.  I relayed these fears to my GP but she dismissed them stating that I would be vomiting and in a lot of pain if that were the case.  My GP has given me some Fybogel, which I have used before and is ineffective.  I am not due to see the gastro specialist for another two months.  Do you think this warrants further investigation? and at what point should I start to worry about an obstruction or something being seriously wrong?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

A colonoscopy is recommended at this point, as this is the most comprehensive test of the lower GI tract.  Anatomical abnormalities, strictures, and colitis can all be evaluated for.

I would also obtain stool cultures to evaluate for infection and malabsorption - both of which can alter stool character.  

These options can be discussed with a GI 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 patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com

[Beakaldo]

Kevin,

Thanks for your reply.  My immediate concern is the backup of waste gathering in my large bowel.  My stomach is severly distorted and is pressing on my diaphragm making me breathless.  The added weight is also making my lower back hurt and I am getting sharp pains in my stomach.
I don't understand why my GP didn't treat this more seriously.  I think she assumed that because my rectum was empty then my colon was empty.  My worry is that somewere further up the colon I have a partial obstruction backing everything up.  It doesnt take a rocket scientist to work out that two weeks food doesnt come out in a single small bowel movement, like the one I had on Monday.
I don't want to go over the top, but if I have no movement by Friday then I am either going to see my GP again or drive myself to A&E and tell them I think I have a bowel obstruction.  Would you agree??

[georgie439]

Curious as to how you made out, Did you have your colonoscopy? And where do live,
sex, age?  I do have some similiar syptoms, and am going for colonoscopy...georgie

[lilkarla]

I do not advise you to give out your personal information, where you live, etc.  that is irrelevant to the discussion.