OK I went to my gastroenterologist for the first time and complained that I had some bloating and constipation for several weeks and I also explained to him that I used hydrocodone for pain and Valium for anxiety both of which are known to cause things like constipation, the bloating has been severe but it's gotten a little bit better over the last couple days I have been eating less and change my diet quite a bit to protein and vegetables pretty much given up the breads, is any rate he recommended we do a colonoscopy in an upper GI endoscopy on the same day and he did no tests on me no fecal test no blood test he didn't touch my stomach didn't even do an exam and I'm wondering if he recommended these procedures because he wanted to make more money because it seems quite strange that someone would recommend that to me without doing any form of exam. I wonder if this is a common recommendation of test for people who complain of gas bloating and constipation. I am currently tapering off the opiates I'm changing my diet hoping that changes things but now my family thinks I should do the tests since this specialist recommended them so I am very confused, I'm also very afraid of doing these tests because I have severe sleep apnea and the sedation and all that I'm just worried I'll stop breathing but I guess with the anesthesiologist there I should be safe, also have horrible anxiety so that's not making it any easier and I'm just wondering if I should do these tests or give a new diet and reduced prescription drug use a chance before I do these things? Thank you for your time my friends any and all advice would be greatly appreciated! 35 years old 325lbs powerlifter in relatively good health.
Is colonoscopy and upper GI endoscopy necessary for me.
- Thread starter caedus
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nogutsnoglory
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I agree with you that it seems irresponsible to jump to a procedure. First blood and stool tests and adjustments and colonoscopy and endoscopy when the first steps don't explain the issue at hand. The procedure is very safe but it could very well be the drugs you are on. Without other symptoms I think waiting it out and seeing is probably best
afidz
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I wouldn't say not to get the tests done, but I would ask for blood work and other things be done before. Yes, the meds can be contributing, but there could also be something underlying. Do you have any other symptoms? If you don't mind, what are you taking pain killers for? Another thing you can do is take miralax out something similar everyday to help things along.
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Just to clarify, you haven't been diagnosed with Crohn's? Or any other digestive condition? Why were you referred to the gastroenterologist? Because of the bloating and constipation? Did the doctor who referred you to the gastroenterologist do any initial tests, suggest possible causes of your symptoms or try to treat them before the referral? Or tell you why seeing a gastroenterologist was a good idea?
Sorry if I missed something, it's just from your post it feels as if the first steps of the diagnostic process are missing!
Sorry if I missed something, it's just from your post it feels as if the first steps of the diagnostic process are missing!
I went there on my own accord without being referred in this GI specialist to know testing and went straight to recommending the procedures in my opinion to make money I think he may have played off my panic attack and anxiety a little I'm going for a second opinion very soon
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Ok, it makes more sense now! Here in the UK you can't see a consultant without being referred by a GP, and I'm pretty sure that's the case even if you go privately rather than on the NHS. A second opinion sounds like a very good idea.
Thank you
Never mind, missed your last line there. At 35 with no family history or personal history of GI issues prior to this, I would agree that an EGD/Colo seems a bit much as a primary intervention.
That being said, new constipation and bloating should not be blown off. Get off the opiates as quickly and as safely as possible (you will need to work with your doc to wean them) and then see if you symptoms improve. If not, then you may indeed then them. I don't think blood work right now would add very much at this time either, but there is no excuse for not examining you. IMHO that should be a reason to change docs.
That being said, new constipation and bloating should not be blown off. Get off the opiates as quickly and as safely as possible (you will need to work with your doc to wean them) and then see if you symptoms improve. If not, then you may indeed then them. I don't think blood work right now would add very much at this time either, but there is no excuse for not examining you. IMHO that should be a reason to change docs.
Thank you I will have a second opinion on December 8th
Turned out to be possible IBS, was given xifaxan for gut bacteria possible infection
Visited with a different doctor gave me the strong antibiotic told me I did not leave the procedures I've become a more regular use miralax a few days a week to help with that as well but so far so good
