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[Deleted]

When to go to the doctor?

I just discovered this board and I'm so excited that there's a place here to ask. I'm sorry you're all dealing with this, though.

I have had trouble with constipation my whole life. When I was a kid, I thought once a week was normal. I have tried probiotics, more fiber, more water, more exercise...nothing regulates me consistently. I have always had hemorrhoids but since having my son last year it's been so much worse. My H (poor man) had to give me an enema a week after baby was born because nothing worked, and it caused tearing and bleeding. Since then, I almost always bleed when I go. I also have painful cramps when I feel the urge and pain during.

Is this something that could be IB? I never have diarrhea. I don't know if my diet is just off or if I actually have a problem. If I go to see a doctor about it, what's the first step? Do I wait til I'm not pregnant anymore?

Sorry if I have too many questions...I've always been too embarrassed to talk to anyone about it!

[hannamaren]

You should go to a doctor.

[Deleted]

Since you're currently pregnant, I would start by talking to your OB. Be sure that she understands this was an issue before you got pregnant and it has now gotten worse, rather than something that has recently started for you. Hopefully your OB will be able to guide you to the right doctor and/or the right treatment.

I'm sorry you're struggling. That's a really miserable feeling.

[Deleted]

I'll mention it to my doctor at my next appointment...I'm a little wary because I tried with my previous OB but they dismissed it as nothing. I just switched and am waiting on my first appointment with a midwife group that's really highly rated. Maybe they'll be more helpful.

I hate dreading bathroom trips, and trying to remember how long it's been since the last one. I'm scared of what testing/treatment I might need, but I guess I should be an adult and just deal with it :-P

[Deleted]

Unfortunately I never went to the doctor because I never knew what normal was. Constipation and abdominal pain were my two complaints - I didnt have diarrhea either. I just thought I had a "sensitive" system and my poor diet (and love of beer) didn't help. Turns out the pain was from multiple ulcerations due to Chron's flare ups - scar tissue would form over those and cause obstructions. Two weeks ago today I had the worst pain I've ever felt in my life -- accompanied by uncontrollable vomiting -- I had a bowel perforation, which required emergency surgery to save my life.

Perforations are very rare so I don't want to totally terrify you -- just scare you enough to go get checked out. ;-) you deserve the peace of mind.

[Deleted]

Re: getting blown off - I've had that experience as well. I am anemic (now I know it's from Chrons) but for the past year I didn't know why. When I talked to my hematologist about scheduling a GI appointment to see if we could find a bleed she said she thought a full colonoscopy/endoscopy was overkill for a "healthy 22 year old." This was even after I mentioned blood in my stool a few times.

My internist did refer me to GI, but when I told her I scheduled the apt three months out bc of my school schedule she said that was fine - no rush. I never made it to that appointment.

Trust your gut! (No pun intended)

[aimeedyan]

I think you should see a GI. Your OB isn't a gastro doctor. Esp since these symptoms are not pregnancy related - you just happen to be pregnant.

A GI could at least start with a conversation and some lab work. They probably will opt to put off any invasive procedures until you deliver but maybe not. A good blood panel will give them some information (a blood panel got my butt in to see a GI for the first time!) and might give some pointers as to what is going on.

I don't see how a GI visit could be a bad thing.

Good luck!

[Deleted]

How do I see a GI? I don't have a regular doctor (I moved a couple years ago and didn't have a reason to find one since I can run up to the Urgent Care). Do I need a referral or does it depend on insurance?

[Deleted]

Mar 5, 2013 11:06:25 GMT -5 Catlawdy said:

Mar 5, 2013 10:33:05 GMT -5 @thereigninglorelai said:

How do I see a GI? I don't have a regular doctor (I moved a couple years ago and didn't have a reason to find one since I can run up to the Urgent Care). Do I need a referral or does it depend on insurance?

Depends on the insurance and practice group.  My insurance doesn't require a referral to see a specialist, but I got one through my PCP.  When I called the person they recommended, they said my PCP would have to call to set it up.  This annoyed the ever living shit out of me, but I guess it's a way for them to make sure they are only seeing patients that need to be seen, that people aren't jumping the gun on seeing a GI.

I had second opinions on some stuff, and ultimately switched GI docs (I wasn't happy with the first one and my surgeon hadn't had good experiences with him).  For the others, I just called and said I needed an appt and they put me on the schedule.

All of the GIs I've seen have also required referrals.
@thereigninglorelai - You could always ask your OB if they would refer you to the GI, since they seem to be handling most of your primary care while you're pregnant.