Have to see the bottom doctor

[MegGriffin]

I have been referred to the hospital as I have had bleeding when I poo.
Does anyone know whatwill happen at my first consultation? I assume he will want to have a look/feel? Also is it a gastroenterologist I have been referred to? I would be grateful for any info as I am really anxious. Many thanks

[Marne]

They may want to investigate with a camera, by brother had blood in his poo a few years ago (in his early 20's), he had to have a camera up there, it turned out to be piles so was nothing to worry about. Sorry i cant be more helpful but i hope all goes well and its nothing to worry about.

[itstheclimb39]

thinking of you, have recently (sorry took 2 yrs) recovered from an anal abcess which led to a fistuala. God the pain,hopefully what you have's been found early x

[PacificDogwood]

Usual rectal bleeding will be assessed by colorectal or general surgeons, not gastroenterologists who are physicians.

Yes, you will certainly be examined where the sun don't shine, much like an internal, but at the other end IYKWIM .

In some clinics there is provision for a camera test (sigmoidoscopy) to be done there and then - this can assess at most the first 10in of your bowel, but may be able to confirm piles which are by far the most common cause for rectal bleeding in younger people.

You may also be put on a waiting list for colonoscopy which is a more complete camera test of your whole large bowel (colon) to look for polyps or inflammation etc. This require so called 'bowel prep(eration)' to clear you out so they can actually see something so will not be done at your initial visit.

Don't worry too much about it - easier said than done. Most people dread the whole thing, but afterwards don't think that the experience was that bad and are happy for the reassurance that a normal test brings.

Good luck .

[PacificDogwood]

This might be of interest

[MegGriffin]

Thank you so much for you replies. I expect they will let me know in my letter if they plan to do more than a basic finger probe?
I have not long ago had a bladder prolapse repair so I think this is the last frontier to be explored!

[MegGriffin]

Thanks for the link PD. The GP could not see or feel anything and I have had no pain (except some on off abdo pain). She said could be piles higher up than she can reach.

[PacificDogwood]

The Knowledge on piles

Yes, I am a saddo font of wisdom re bottom problems

[MegGriffin]

That is really good information, thank you .
Can you confirm to me that it is possible to have piles that are too high up to feel? I was a bit worried as I thought she would have a feel, say yes it's piles and give me some cream, rather than refer me straight away.

[PacificDogwood]

Yep, internal piles are impossible to diagnose without a look-see, I am afraid. Follow the advice for piles in the leaflet anyway, as that is the most likely diagnosis ie eat lots of fibre, drink lots of fruit and veg for fibre and do everything else you can do to avoid constipation, in particular straining at the toilet (exercise, when you feel the need to go - GO etc), use an over-the-counter pile preperation such as Anusol or similar.
Even if your bleeding settled with all of this, I'd still go to be seen and assessed. As one of my trainers said "Just because you have fleas does not mean you can't also have lice" .

[EdnaKrabappel]

Chances are you will receive a slightly more detailed "look" then just a manual exam (and I don't think they'd tell you in a letter).

If so you'll be asked to lie on your side and bend your knees up towards your stomach (clothes off below the waist obv). Then a tube with lube is inserted up your bum and a bit of air blown up - this is quite uncomfortable but only v mild pain and shortlived. The surgeon then gets a good view of the last few inches. Clearly this is not much fun, but it's quick and worth it to find out what's going on. The air may leave you feeling bloated for up to an hour, most likely much less. Worth visiting the loo an hour or so before you go in - you will also be asked if you've opened your bowels that day. yes you do pretty much leave your dignity at the door.

First time I went after work and was actually more self-conscious that my feet, which were fairly near the surgeon's face, and had been clad in tights all day, must have been quite horribly pongy.

Good luck, hope this doesn't put you off. Feel free to PM me if needs be. I am also an expert on all things bottom having had IBD diagnosed as a result of all the probes.

[PeachyPossum]

Hiya. I was referred for this last yr. I was asked to discuss any tummy issues I had and the dr had a look at the last bit of colon for piles/obvious signs of bleeding. It wasn't the most fun I've had but it wasn't the worst thing I have been through either! If it was piles they would have diag at that appt and treatment would have been decided.

I had problems besides the bleeding and after a year of tests and being unwell I have been diagnosed with Crohns and am now undergoing treatment to get into remission. The thing is, none of the tests are pleasant, none of the appts are great, but it is reassuring to be looked after, and it really is never as bad as you think it will be! (In a year I've had 2 colonocopys, an endoscopy, a barium swallow and a barium enema, all without sedation, am waiting for a MRI and a endoscopy capsule) Like Edna the worst thing I had was the day I went for the swallow not expecting to get into a gown and had come straight from work with heels and tights on, then sat with 8 other people in a small room poor people, my feet are evil!

I hope it goes well, and that they look after you :)

[MegGriffin]

Thankyou Edna and Peachy. It's good to hear everyone is looked after so well. I will have to be brave and 'suck it up' I think. It's not so much the embarrasment for me, it's not knowing what will happen to me that worries me. I have had Endometriosis in the past as well as a bladder prolapse so I am well versed in getting my kit off so to speak. Oh well....

[aliceliddell]

My Dad and Aunt had this recently; their verdict was to take the tranquilliser if offered and don't worry about the 'embarrassment', the hospital have seen it all before.

[MegGriffin]

I am SO up for any drugs they want to give me before procedures!

[EdnaKrabappel]

Ah good attitude! You d

[EdnaKrabappel]

Sorry premature post. You don't need sedative for sigmoidoscopy ( first look). But take it for colonoscopy! Respect PeachyPossum for going without. I've also had a barium swallow - now that was hard work if painless.

[Meglet]

marking my place as my digestion / bowls are shot to pieces and I'm off to see the bottom doctor in Sept. They've already mentioned possible crohns (I so hope it's not).

[MegGriffin]

Sorry to hear that Meglet. Have you had problems a long time? Also did you have to wait long for your appointment?

[MegGriffin]

Hi Footle, are you all back to normal now after your recent surgery? I have not been on the thread for a while to catch up with everyone , have been busy with work/family etc...My prolapse has healed really well and I am back to normal, except for this new problem grrrrrrrrrr..

[MegGriffin]

Aw, sorry to hear you are not quite right yet. I think my bladder repair was not as bad as the one you had as all the stiches were internal. Can I ask why you had a colonoscopy?