I made a appointment to see my family Doc due to my post a few threads down,I'm guessing he will due a Digital Rectal Exam.How much discomfort is involved,I mean does it hurt and how long does it usually take?In most cases do they usually say you need a colonoscopy?

A rectal exam should not be painful as the doc will merely insert a gloved lubed finger into your rectum to check for any "feelable" abnormalities. It is hard to say if a colonoscopy will be recommended as it depends on what the doc feels and what his normal procedure is as to what to do next.

The DRE does not hurt. It may feel a little funny. I am sure your regular BMs are larger then the doctor's finger so that will not be an issue. He will use lots of lubricant. When I have had mine, the doctor's finger has never been in there more then 10-15 seconds. So it does not last long at all.

If he does recommend a colonoscopy it will probably be based on what you tell him about your symptoms more then just on the DRE.

If he does want you to get a colonoscopy, they are not bad. The laxitive preparation is the worst of it. But you do that at home. and it is very liveable. Use a little hydrocortisone to keep you anus from becoming too sore as the laxitives do their job over and over agin. I never feel anything with a colonoscopy, they give you pain meds and a seditive. You will sleep real good when you get home. They may also give you some pictures of what they see inside. They are interesting, but I would not frame them and hang them on the wall!

Don't worry. You will survive in good shape.

Let us know how it goes. We can all learn from what you experience.