Hello!
I have had bowel problems for about 3-4 months now my symptoms include:

1) Bloating and sometimes pretty bad abdominal pains and cramping
2) lower back discomfort
3) Very small and not very frequent bowel movements
4) when bowel movements occur they are usually difficult to release and very hard stool
5) sometimes diahrea
6) bad cramps and back and side discomfort when I run/exercise and haven't had a bowel movement that day
7) hard to release gas and don't pass gas very often
8) I have a very thin figure and in the past few months have noticed a little pooch in my abdomin that is hard and seems "full" when I press on it.. and usually hurts to press on it
9) If bowel feels full.. sex is very painful

These are my symptoms.. I have a dr. appointment this Monday to get a referal... However I have no idea what type of referal to ask for????? Can a pelvic/abdominal scan tell me what's going on? Or does it definitely sound like something more bowel related and I'd need a colonscopy or something other>>?>

PLEASE help!!
Thank u sooooo much!!

A colonoscopy would show any blockages or overgrowths INSIDE your bowel. For adhesions [tissues/masses] growing OUTSIDE and/or attached to the exterior of the bowel walls, ultrasound and/or x-ray [plain then followed by barium enema] are used. Since ultrasound and x-rays are usually less expensive and give a more complete picture of your abdomen, they would be recommended first sometimes prior to your first consult with the GI specialist.

Colonoscopy article: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003886.htm

Barium enema article: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003817.htm

Abdominal ultrasound article: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003777.htm

I live in the GTA and suggest you see a specialist at a U. of T. hospital [e.g. Toronto General, Mount Sinai, St. Mike's, Sunnybrook]. They tend to see more cases within their specialties and do clinical research, therefore they usually have more expertise and better success rates. The University Health Network has this info. The downside is that such specialists usually have a few Residents/Fellows in tow who will also poke, prod and ask questions; the upside is that you'll learn more about your condition.

Good luck,
Jay