I just had my yearly exam at the OB/GYN. A digital rectal exam was done and the dr. told me I had rectal nodules. He has scheduled an appt. for a GI consultation. What can I expect at the "consultation". Will it be paperwork, family history, etc. or how extensive could an exam get without any type of preparation? Also, has anyone been told they had nodules and what was the outcome? Thanks
I just had my yearly exam at the OB/GYN. A digital rectal exam was done and the dr. told me I had rectal nodules. He has scheduled an appt. for a GI consultation. What can I expect at the "consultation". Will it be paperwork, family history, etc. or how extensive could an exam get without any type of preparation? Also, has anyone been told they had nodules and what was the outcome? Thanks
Hi Goingon50:
You can expect a thorough history, a digital rectal, and probably scheduling of a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is NOT that bad... they give you medication to make you loopy and basically forget what happens... if you don't have enough drugs during the procedure.. tell them you can still feel it and want some more. The worst part is the Prep... Use plenty of diaper rash ointment to prevent irritation from the diarrhea.
The nodules could be many things, and I wouldn't start freaking out about them yet... your obgyn is right to send you to a GI though; it could be very serious. Hang in there, I know waiting is tough. And please let us know when you have the results from the GI.
Thanks CancerDad for your reply. Can you tell me if nodules are the same as polyps? I can find lots of things about polyps on the internet but not a great deal about nodules? I'm having no symptoms, no bleeding, etc. Guess that could be to my benefit or then again not to my benefit.
Nodules typically are not polyps, but could be. Polyps have a unique feel and can be stalk-like or attached to the wall but are flexible. If you have felt-- a nodule is typically a bump in the wall of the colon/rectum. You can have nodules from inflamed lymph nodes (from ANY inflammatory process--virus, infection, cancer). But, like I said... don't freak out until you have more info.
I know the waiting can be murder, but try to keep yourself busy until you see your GI.
Hi:
I never had Golytely, but they say if you drink it ice cold, then your taste buds will not be as sensitive to the flavor. Also, use hemorrhoid ointment-- Nupercainal or such to prevent anal irritatition from all the diarrhea.
Good luck. Besides that, the prep is the worst part... remember, if you're not drugged enough during the procedure, tell them! This should definitely Not be a horrible experience.
