I’ve had constipation and abdominal pains for several months and my doctor and gastroenterologist (GI) have prescribed laxatives. Recently, I asked my doctor the cause of my symptoms, and he sent me to a different GI. This GI felt my abdomen and said he “felt something”, I think a lump that he didn’t think was stool. So, I’m scheduled for a colonoscopy on the 14th, when he will be doing a biopsy, in addition to looking at my intestines with a camera.

I'm scared, and I’m wondering if there’s anything else I should be doing to get myself healed. I asked the GI’s office if I could schedule my colonoscopy sooner, and I was told: “if the doctor wanted it sooner, he would have said so”.

I’m half kidding here, but I’m thinking of exaggerating the pain I’m feeling in my abdomen, and try to get checked into a reputable hospital through the emergency room, hoping the hospital would be able to diagnosis me quickly and do what it takes to fix me.

Any ideas on how to get the best care in a timely matter? Thanks!!

" Any ideas on how to get the best care in a timely matter?"

Get a VERY GOOD doctor. I'm not al all a doctor, but I am surprised that yours did not want to see an abdominal CT scan considering that he "felt something" while palpitating your abdomen.

Very good doctors and mediocre doctors are everywhere. I would look for one with a very good medical education, who is affiliated with a very good hospital, who has been on the staff of this very good hospital for a long time, although none of these features will guarantee a good result. I would NOT try to get a diagnosis by trying to check into the Emergency room. Maybe a professor at one of the good medical schools or hospitals in NJ/NYC area would be a good bet for you.

Generally speaking you could have between a dozen and two dozen ailments. In your mind you have selected the worst our of the lot. You'll need to wait and relax. If you can't relax it won't be enjoyable waiting. The choice is yours.

You could wait a week, two weeks, two months. There is no need to rush you in. Nothing is going to get worse otherwise the doctors would have reacted differently.

In a nut shell, what you can do is eat better. This does not mean say goodbye to all the foods you like forever. This simply means, stop eating as much, sort through what you are missing and give your body a rest. Good digestion will arrive if you follow through.

Plenty, good idea, to tell them it's feeling worse, which it is. And you are right: my mind keeps churning negative thoughts. And when you google the symptoms for causes, there's always some type of cancer cause in the list.

Moshe, a few months ago, I asked my doctor (actually, my doctor's nurse practitioner) about getting a CT scan, and she told me there's the danger of radiation and told me the pains I’m feeling are just a result of constipation. In hindsight, I wish I requested it. As Laura suggested, I'm going to use some of your ideas on vetting to get a second opinion. Thank you.

Thanks MC.

Pmh, I did feel a bit foolish posting my question here, but I’ve found this website to have some very caring, insightful people, who have been very helpful over the years, so I figured: “give it a shot”. I did preface my post with "OT" :-)

Pmh: If you don't like "Off Topic" posts, don't read them.

If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything.

Smokowna, I hear you, but it’s tough to relax when you feel pain that you don’t “recognize”, that constantly nudges you. And I really would like to have a “strategy” for getting the best care. I’m super happy with the shop that takes care of my cars, but I don’t feel that way about the care that my family and I get. I completely agree with you about eating, and your point is well taken about not rushing.

Thanks, Pmh and DJ, for your words of support.

Bill, I am a doctor (family practice). Your nerves are understandably getting the best of you. Checking into an ED will not get you diagnosed any more quickly, only run up your bill. A colonoscopy takes a day of prep to do well, which would not occur in an E.D.

Unless you are rail thin, no doctor can “feel a lump” and make anything other than a guess as to what it might be..stool, liver, kidney or tumor. If he was really concerned he would have ordered a stat C scan.

A colonoscopy would show inflammation, a stricture (narrowing) polyps, a tumor, or other cause.

Assuming the colonoscopy is clear, I see an abdominal CT in your future.

Functional constipation (constipation without a cause) is by far the most likely thing going on here.

Try to stay calm, eat right, walk a bit every day. A glass of wine or a high-quality Scotch goes a long way to help you relax and fall asleep.

Wishing you all the best.

A Landlords History:

First comes "Stress", then some "Constipation".

Needing to make the appointment on time, next comes the "Pushing".

That results in formation of "Hemorrhoids". Like properties, they come in class "A", "B" and "C". (Laser, Rubber banding and surgery).

To keep from recurrence, a nutritionist will recommend the "BRAT" diet. (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce & Toast).

Because we are "men", this means we won't listen to reason until it's too late.

Next comes the stomach (abdominal) pain and out we go to see the specialists.

Why do some landlords live to be 100 years old? They take stress well, have an exercise routine and eat healthy.

You're going to have to Reduce Your Stress. Eat Better. Have a regular time to eat, sleep and crap. Stop eating 3 hours before you go to bed. Wake up and take a walk. A balanced breakfast is a must. Then you will be ready to sit on your throne and have a nice movement. Once purged, you can go out and conquer the world, or at least get that tenant in line or start the eviction process without loosing hair, sleep or sanity.

Did the Dr suggest you avoid seeds and nuts? I forget the name but one source of abdominal trouble is related to the lining getting clogged seeds (think sesame N strawberry) and nuts are a common cause.

Also call the Dr office a couple times a week to see if they have any cancelations. Squeaky wheel gets the grease

Small potatoes, I think you were referring to diverticulitis which is defined as "the infection or inflammation of pouches that can form in your intestines."

I was diagnosed once as having diverticulitis and they told me to avoid seeds (even sesame seeds), nuts, popcorn, etc. However, after my colonoscopy, the doctor stated that none of those items will cause diverticulitis. I started eating all those things again and have been fine.

Bill, wishing you all the best. I share your pain. Literally. Have you had a CAT or PET scan? That would seem the first step to me. Or MRI / Ultrasound if applicable.

I wouldn't worry about ten days. In most cases ten days (probably) won't matter. If it becomes acute go to the ER. During my cancer surgery last year they had to move my guts around to reach the tumor. And I have so few organs left anyway, that I have like a "dent" on one side now. Every now and then I get a twinge. Thought it was a hernia, but nothing shows on scans, so they are like "let us know if it hurts."

As for your colonoscopy, I'd relax and enjoy your week. Eat lots of vegetables. I get to have one in April. And I'm in no great hurry! :)

I have a feeling that your colonoscopy prep will certainly make your constipation feel much better. If you're really backed up, I'd make sure to take the day off and do prep at home.

You do seem awfully worked up. I wouldn't worry about it until something more investigative uncovers something.

I echo all the above about relaxing now and a quick diagnosis.

What I do specifically have to say - the past three years I have had numerous close family members who were seriously ill. After the first two, we learned to speak up. We began to ask questions - lots of them. We do not just sit there and do what we are told. Don't accept statements such as "“if the doctor wanted it sooner, he would have said so”.". Tell them YOU want it sooner and need a reason why it can't be. (perhaps they need the time for insurance pre-approval, your doctor only does this procedure the second Friday of the month, etc). MAke someone pay attention to you.

One time when my dad was having something serious going on (can't even remember what it was now) I called the cardiologist. I got a call back from perhaps a nurse or a physician's assistant that gave an answer to something completely different than I had asked. I told them to get me a better answer. After two days of back and forth I was sick of the phone calls. I went to the doctor's office and stood at the check in counter. They were not happy with me. I waited until I saw him walking out the hallway and went over ... told him I was not happy with no answer to my question after xx days. Because my dad was unique (in so many ways - smiley face !!), the doctor knew the answer without having to look up his records.

Ask - "you say to do a, b, c. What happens if I do a, skip b and do c?".

Be your own advocate - do not be a cog in the wheel.

WMH, interesting you mention magnesium, I have the calm brand in my cabinet, but I’ve been a little cautious about using it. I’m gona get on it though. One minute…..Ok I just drank 1-1/2 teaspoons of it and I’ll take some more latter in the day.

FloridaNative, great point about water. So many times, I’m driving or working at a house and I’m thirsty, with no water nearby. So, I just dug up my water bottle, filled it and I’m gona hang on to it through the day. Thanks!

Moby, yes, like an eternity. And the pain isn’t much, but it keeps those thoughts circulating in my head.

PS: have to speak about the nurse practitioner telling you a scan has "too much radiation". What an incompetent jerk. I had them every six months after my cancer surgery. There is some radiation but weigh that against discovering a problem.I am very suspicious about these "nurse practitioners".

Bill. good doctors, like good plumbers, are booked up. They can't appear and work for you the second you snap your fingers. 10 days is getting you in to have the colonoscopy really quickly. You really want to wait for the well qualified doctor and not rush to the guy that is available today because he doesn't have anyone that trusts him.

If it is cancer, which I suspect is your fear, the 10 days isn't going to change the diagnosis or the treatment.

Never, and I mean never, lie to your doctor about your symptoms. It is hard enough doing a diagnosis without having incorrect information.

The emergency room is not the way to go. They will give a once-over quickly and then they will see that you aren't dying within the next 24 hours and send you back to your regular doctor and send you an enormous bill for not doing much of anything.

Follow the preparation directions very carefully in order to get a good clear reading with the colonoscopy.

Remember, there are dozens, maybe hundreds, of thing that can cause gut pain, and almost all of them are easily treatable.

Thanks AllyM for the recommendation on getting a scan done. In hindsight, I should have researched radiation risk, as opposed to taking the nurse’s warning at face value. And yes, don’t eat wads of dough :-) I do like pizza.

Thanks Still Learning, for the words of encouragement and recommending eating more leafy greens. And thanks for your prayers.

Hi Bill,

Bill, is your gastroenterologist "board certified?"

And thanks AllyM for the pizza recipe. I reheat pizza in a frying pan but never made pizza in one.

Thanks R for letting me know on how you deal with it. And thanks for the luck :-)

Jean, I’m not sure I’ve ever drank scotch and It’s been a long time since working a jigsaw puzzle, but I just ordered: Buffalo Games - Days to Remember - Dewie Hollow - 500 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle. And I'll sip that scotch in memory of my dad who loved it.

Rick, that’s a good question re: board certified. I don’t know, but I’ll add that to my doctor rating spreadsheet.

Live The Dream, thanks for laugh on “in no great hurry!” Well, I guess once I do the prep, I won’t be constipated :-) And I’m happy to hear, it sounds like you made it through ok with your surgery last year.

Thank you Gene.

No, Small potatoes, he didn’t tell me to avoid seeds and nuts, but that makes me think I wish I had some Mrs. Sees nuts and chews, right now. I think I’ll get them for the LOML for Valentines, the day of my colonoscopy:-)

Robert J, you mentioned some key habits there: “Take a walk, exercise routine, eat healthy and stop eating 3 hours before bed” and to that I’d add: stop drinking 2 hours before bed, and avoid “eating wads of dough.” (AllyM)

Bill, sorry to hear of your problem. I would suggest the master cleanse book, by Stanley Burroughs. There’s a lot of variations floating around on the internet but it’s basically a salt water cleanse... 1 quart of clean water with 1 rounded Tablespoon (yes, TABLESPOON) of sea salt or Himalayan pink salt. Take on an empty stomach, first thing in morning is best. This is similar to the cleanse drinks they have you drink before surgery that clean out your bowels I’m not a medical professional and am not giving medical advice, just know it’s a popular remedy.

(Long post to follow). BillW, I am frustrated for you. I come from a long line of healers/intuitives/medics, managed a medical office for 20 years, and have learned much through 4 surgeries of my own. PLEASE 'trust your gut' in this case! If you do not feel better before your imaging appointment in 2 weeks, please call your doc's office and ask for an appointment with his/her assistant which should be quite easy to get. Come fortified with a box of chocolates for the office staff (this opens many doors, my friend!) Insist that person triage you quickly through to the doctor who can speed up medical tests, despite what that b*tchy nurse told you. When I scheduled clinics, I would leave a few appointments open for situations just like yours, and kept very good relations with labs and imaging centers for urgent requests and results. Cookies & chocolates do miracles there, too!

Advice applies IF you trust your doctor/medical assistant. From the condescending attitude of the nurse you saw, I would question whether this is the right medical practice for you but you need a diagnostic ASAP, then can take a bit more time researching other options once you know what you're dealing with.

After a few heinous surgeries whose scar tissue makes the daily constitutional a whimpering misery, I learned about inulin powder. Inulin, a soluble fiber, is fantastic for lowering cholesterol and is considered a 'pre-biotic' that provides a good food source for 'good bacteria' in your gut. Have a serving of yogurt, buttermilk, or kefir along with inulin (also available as Metamucil Clear) and you will poop like a boss. Start today and you will feel noticeably better.

Another bit of advice regarding palliative care. Cannabis discussion follows so if someone is not interested in that subject, next post.

CBD is legal in most states. THC is legal in many. Cannabis can provide astounding results for a myriad of conditions. My brother and I grew a high CBD strain called Cannatonic for my sister-in-law to improve her quality of life after a deadly cancer diagnosis. Her pain was relieved to the extent that she didn't need morphine until just two weeks before she died. She was comfortable, alert and engaged...until morphine.

I grow organically in our greenhouse, and my 6 legal plants provide my own medicine + enough for dozens more. I make tinctures in both oil and ethanol, so no smoking or vaping necessary. My cannabis usage is MD approved and I've been able to dump 5 rx meds because of it.

One person who has digestive symptoms sounding similar to yours along with IBS and GERD has reported nearly complete relief using daily inulin, probiotics and a 1:1 (thc/cbd) tincture am/pm. She feels comfortable enough to forgo surgery for now and has even begun traveling again.

Another person is fighting bladder cancer/insomnia/chronic pain and cannot stay asleep more than an hour due to needed trips to the bathroom. That same 1:1 tincture now gets him 4 hours of sleep at a time.

Another person has MS and suffers daily attacks of foot/toe cramping. She'd tried CBD creams without success. Part of that problem are oily cream bases that don't allow penetration of active ingredients. I made her a gel that delivers CBD right through the skin using tangerine and orange oil as solvents. It's also heavily mentholated and camphorated, so gives a nice aromatherapy boost. One application at bed time gives her all night relief.

One of our crew suffers migraines and hates the effects of Imitrex. While underway, we're a 'dry' boat (meaning no alcohol or cannabis until safely anchored or off-watch) so thc was out of the question. I gave her 25mg of cbd isolate (zero thc) in coconut oil under her tongue and massaged her temples and occipitals with cbd oil. She was completely symptom-free in 20 minutes.

I just had knee surgery and that 1:1 tincture blows western-med's dumb opioid out of the water for pain relief, plus it's non-constipating, organic and I can function.

'Cannatonic' strain is available as feminized seeds and clones if you want to grow it yourself. It's an easy-to-grow, large yielding strain indoors, outside, or greenhouse. I prefer in-ground greenhouse as it uses natural light & soil yet keeps the plants clean of pesticides, bird poo, particulates and other nasty matter that doesn't belong in medicine. This year I'll try my hand at another high CBD strain called 'Medical Mass'. It's supposed to be perfect for anxiety and chronic pain and is billed as the 'warm blanket'of cannabis strains.

These high CBD 1:1's are truly miracles. A little bit gets lots of relief with little or no impairment. Larger doses before bedtime or when sure you won't be operating heavy equipment will improve relief and maybe offer some mental relaxation as well.

Try some cannabis with that 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle a poster mentioned above, and it will take your mind off your troubles, LOL!

End of cannabis discussion, now back to our regularly scheduled program. I wish you all good health, comfortable evacuations (LOL, rather like 'evictions') and desperately needed improvement of our medical 'care' system!

Thanks Sandy on the cleanse suggestion. I’m not a big believer in the value of cleansing, but I’ll do some reading on it and maybe change my mind.

Judi, wow you really gave me a lot of info. Funny how cannabis has a bit of a bad rap, associated with hippies at Woodstock. But I’m glad to hear its being taken seriously by some along with Psilocybin mushroom. Problem with chocolates is I’ll eat them on the way :-) I took a look at Inulin and I see some good reviews on amazon and what you said about it is substantial. And cannabis with the puzzle is an intriguing thought. Thanks.

If you are interested further in the salt water cleanse to flush out your bowls, the Dr. Axe website has good information on it. If you google “salt water flush Dr. Axe” it will tell you more about how it causes a forced bowl movement. I would say, though, that my friend that uses this technique when he is constipated uses more salt. Not 2 teaspoons of salt, but a full rounded or heaping Tablespoon of salt with a quart of water.

Also there are several YouTube videos on people doing this cleanse.