Do I need a colonoscopy if I am experiencing bowel problems?
I have been having bowel problems for more than 6 months. My symptoms include: stomach bloating, constipation, sometimes diarrhea, lumps on anus, anal bleeding, pain in the area and severe itching. My doctor has not done an exam and simply put me on Bentyl. He has done a CBC and after asking for a colonoscopy or exam he told me that my symptoms do not warrant one. I am at my wits end and need advice on what my next step should be. Thank you.
Healthcare Providers (2)
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You understand and agree that use of the Website does not in any way create or establish a physician-patient privilege or physician-patient relationship between you and any Medical Professional Member. You should recognize that the information provided on the Website (including past questions and answers and articles posted on the site) is provided for your general information. These materials should not be relied on as medical advice and reading and reviewing them is not a substitute for direct consultation with a medical professional about a specific medical problem.
Without limiting the foregoing, you understand and agree that submitting a Free Question or receiving an answer to a Free Question does not in any way create or establish an physician-patient relationship between you and any Medical Professional Member, or between you and us. The information and answers provided in response to Free Questions is intended to be generic medical information, not medical advice, and is based upon the very limited information provided by you in a Free Question. Specific medical advice can only be given with full knowledge of all of the facts and circumstances of your situation. If you are currently being treated by a doctor, that doctor is the best person to give you advice about a medical case or medical matter. Under no circumstances should the information obtained on this site be used to make decisions about the quality of service provided by a doctor or about the proper course of a medical matter.
Depending on your age and if you have had a colonoscopy in the past, evaluation may be indicated. If the symptoms have not improved on bentyl, you should discuss further options with your doctor.
Your health history and that of you family will have an impact on the decision to have a colonoscopy. If you are not connected to a gastroenterologist than I would recommend that you see one.