What kind of doctor would I see just for a rectal exam? I read that alot of you go to a Gastro doctor....do they do that kind of exam? I don't have anything major wrong, I just had an ache after a bowel movement that lasted for a couple of weeks off and on and I think I would feel better if I got it checked, but have no clue where to go. I thought I should probably go to a colon doctor but I see that many of those are also surgeons and I don't think that's where I should go for what I need. Can any of you advise me?

Thanks so much.

cb50,

Please, please go see a colon-rectal surgeon. They are experts in their field and will not only operate but advise and treat symptoms as well. Would you go to an eye doctor for a tooth ache? Talk to friends and see what colon-rectal doc they recommend...it's not something most people talk about (who thier colon-rectal doc is) but most will jump at the opportunity to tell you when asked! :) Take care, Cathy

Hi-- I agree with Cathy!!
I have had better treatment for my colon problems with a co-rectal surgeon than the many Gastroenterologists I have seen.

God Bless---Harry

Really? But the ones located here by me are surgeons, are you sure that's who I would go to just for a check-up? I'll call them later today and ask but I feel a little silly going when I don't really have any major compalints, just want a check-up. I called my internist's office and they said they send people down the hall to the Gastroenterology dept. for things in that nature or to schedule a colonoscopy. I understand what you're saying but from what I've read on here, most of you go to a Gastro doctor for check-ups and then are referred to a colon specialist when a problem is detected.

cb50,

All of the colon-rectal "surgeons" in our area do "check-ups" and colonoscopies in addition to surgery when required. If something is wrong and needs attention, you're better off going to a colon-rectal doc. Like I said before, they deal with this day in and day out. Why not skip the gastro doc and go right to where you can get the best info right from the start. Don't feel silly by calling for an appointment...you had pain that needs to be checked out. The internist's office sends people "down the hall" to the gastro dept.....these docs depend on each other for referral of patients. That doesn't mean that you have to go to their buddies...trust me, not trying to be saracastic...just want you to get the best of care!

Take care,
Cathy

Actually, I just called the colon doctor place a little bit ago and made an appointment for Monday. I asked the receptionist what would be done, and she said he would press on my stomach and do a digital rectal check. I asked if he would also do a sigmodoscopy, and she said no, that he would just use an instrument called an anuscope (sp?) to look inside. I'm fine with all of this but what confused me was when I asked 'don't I need to be cleaned out before my appointment?' and she said no. Is this right? Isn't it easier for them to see 'in' there if it's cleaned out, even with a suppository? Also, wouldn't it be just a tad more comfortable for me if I was?

cb50,

Glad you got your appointment! You can do a search for digital rectal examination and find out exactly what it is. No clean out is necessary. I noticed "50" in your name..are you 50 years old? If so, colonoscopies are now recommended for 50th birthday...some present, huh? The digital rectal exam might be a little uncomfortable. But like I said before, if you are leary of that, just go straight for the gold...a colonoscopy....the drugs are wonderful and again, if you are 50, you're due for one. Many times, small polyps can be detected and removed long before turning cancerous...that's the beauty of a colonoscopy! Good luck and please let us know how it went! Cathy

I had a virtual colonoscopy last year when I was 51...I'm on a blood thinner and was leary of going off of it for a few days to have the regular one done. And because I am still young and have no symptoms, we decided to go with that one first. It came out fine, as did the fecal occult test. I was diagnosed about 25 years ago with IBS and within a two year period, I had two barium enemas and a sigmoidoscopy, which I'm sure included a digital check beforehand but I really don't remember. I think I'll post another question on here asking if anyone knows what an anuscope is and what it entails.
Thank-you for all your help, I appreciate it.

Hi, I just read your posts and you sound like you know alot about it. Would you know if you can have these tests done if you are pregnant? I am 10 weeks preg and having problems. I always feel pressure to go and when I try nothing happens unless I use a suppository. My bm's are soft and not that big I don't understand why they don't want to come out. My dad had Crohns disease and I have always had problems in that area. Any help would be great....

I would guess that your pregnancy is affecting your bowel movements, it's not that uncommon. Really. What you might want to do is mention it to your doctor next time you see him, but chances are he'll tell you what I did. Is this your first pregnancy?

This is my third pregnancy and sure it plays its part in this and I did tell my doctor and of course he told me to drink more water, take fibercon, colace....I do all that and I still have problems. So I am looking for a specialist but I don't want to waste my time and money if they can't do any of the test while I am pregnant.

Thanks for your respond.
Have a nice day