Dear gastroenterologist,
I’m writing to you because I desperately need some guidance, and frankly, I’m too embarrassed to talk about this with anyone I know personally. Over the past few months, my bowel movements have gone completely haywire. What used to be fairly routine is now wildly inconsistent, and it’s become a constant, nagging bother.
More recently, the alarms have gotten louder. I’ve started seeing blood in my stool, and the chronic discomfort and bloating I’ve been feeling has become more intense. I’m 55 years old, and I know I should have had a colonoscopy by now, but the thought of discussing my bowel movements or going through that procedure has always filled me with such dread and embarrassment that I’ve just pushed it off.
But I can’t ignore it anymore. The worry is starting to overwhelm me. What should my next steps be? I feel lost and a little ashamed.
Sincerely,
Chronically bloated
Dear chronically bloated,
Thank you for your incredibly brave and candid submission. Please know that your feelings of embarrassment and hesitation are completely normal, but also, you are far from alone in feeling this way.
Your symptoms – inconsistent bowel movements, chronic discomfort, and especially any blood in your stool – are signals your body is sending that require immediate attention. These are not symptoms to ignore or feel ashamed about. They are important clues that can help us understand what’s happening internally.
Here’s my direct advice for your next steps:
Schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist: This is your top priority. While your primary care physician is a great first point of contact, a gastroenterologist specializes in digestive health and is best equipped to thoroughly investigate these kinds of symptoms. They will take a detailed medical history, perform a physical exam and discuss potential causes.
It’s time for that colonoscopy: I understand your apprehension about this procedure, but please believe me when I say that it is the gold standard for investigating symptoms like yours. A colonoscopy allows us to visualize the entire colon and rectum, identifying polyps, inflammation, or any other abnormalities that could be causing your bleeding, discomfort, and changes in bowel habits. Early detection of any potential issues, such as polyps, is incredibly important for positive outcomes. The preparation can be inconvenient, but the procedure itself is done under sedation, meaning you won’t feel a thing and most people find it much easier than they anticipated.
Increase your dietary fiber: While you await your specialist appointment and potential procedures, a gentle but important step you can take is to increase your dietary fiber intake. Focus on whole foods like fruits (berries, apples with skin), vegetables (leafy greens, broccoli), legumes (beans, lentils), and whole grains (oats, whole wheat bread). Remember to increase your water intake significantly alongside your fiber, as fiber needs water to work effectively and prevent constipation.
Your gut feelings, quite literally, are worth listening to. Symptoms like persistent changes in bowel habits, chronic discomfort and especially any blood in your stool are never normal. They are your body’s way of asking for attention and ignoring them is not an option.
March, as Colon Cancer Awareness Month, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of vigilance and proactive screening. Colon cancer is highly treatable when caught early, and a colonoscopy is the gold standard for both detection and prevention, as it can identify and remove precancerous polyps before they ever become a problem.
So, if you or a loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms discussed today, or if you are 45 or older and haven’t had your recommended screening, please do not delay. Schedule your colonoscopy today!
Sincerely,
Mather Medical Group
Gastroenterology