Concerns Regarding Colonic Intussusception
Greetings, I’m a 36-year-old female who has been experiencing recurring rectal bleeding for a while now. Last year, I underwent a colonoscopy, and according to the physician who performed it, everything appeared normal. However, he was rather dismissive, implying that my symptoms were merely psychosomatic and attributed to stress. It’s quite frustrating to hear that bleeding from the rectum is merely a psychological issue. Feeling unsatisfied with that assessment, I sought a second opinion. The new doctor examined me visually and identified minor hemorrhoids, suggesting a conservative treatment approach, which I was willing to try. Fast forward to March 2025, and I continue to deal with sporadic rectal bleeding, at times even filling the toilet bowl with blood. Alongside this, I'm often finding my stools are either very thin or I experience diarrhea, and I’ve recently been suffering from intense pain in my left side. Although I was initially inclined to disregard the bleeding and stool changes due to having a previous diagnosis, the severe back pain prompted me to revisit my doctor. During our discussion, we concurred that there could be an issue with my back, so he recommended a CT scan. When I received my CT results on March 25th, it turned out my back was fine. However, the radiologist did mention an incidental finding of colonic intussusception in the ascending colon, which exhibits a concentric ring formation. He advised that a CT scan with contrast of the abdomen and pelvis would be prudent, which I have agreed to. My primary care physician indicated he would refer me to a second rectal surgeon and arrange for the CT with contrast, yet today I contacted the imaging center for an update, only to find there is no request on file yet. I am conscious of the urgency surrounding this situation, and while I don’t want to seem overly impatient, I have three kids and I serve as the director of administration for a speech clinic—currently, I’m on medical leave until I receive clearer guidance regarding my health. I simply can’t afford to wait if this is indeed a case of colonic intussusception. Thus, I have a straightforward inquiry: Should I bypass the wait and head straight to the emergency room? I can’t shake the feeling that my previous gastro and rectal symptoms may be connected to this issue, and that perhaps something was overlooked during the colonoscopy. As for my current medications, they include 50 mg of Pristiq and 70 mg of Vyvanse for ADHD.
Answers (1)
3/29/2025, 5:10:42 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're facing a challenging situation with your health, and it's completely understandable to feel anxious about the recurring rectal bleeding and interconnected symptoms. Given your history and the recent findings of colonic intussusception, timely action is crucial.
Main Points:
- Your ongoing symptoms, especially with rectal bleeding and the possibility of colonic intussusception, warrant urgent attention.
- If your symptoms worsen or you experience new signs, seeking immediate care is advisable.
Explanation: Colonic intussusception occurs when part of the intestine telescopes into an adjacent section, which can potentially lead to serious complications. The fact that you are experiencing severe rectal bleeding, changes in stool shape, and intense left-sided pain suggests that you need further evaluation without delay. Although a CT scan with contrast is an important step to assess the situation accurately, your symptoms might necessitate more immediate intervention.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Given the severity of your symptoms—such as passing blood and significant pain—it would be wise to go to the emergency room rather than waiting for the CT scan to be scheduled. Emergency services are equipped to handle urgent cases and can expedite your examination and treatment.
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Communicate Your Concerns Clearly: When you arrive at the emergency room, clearly explain your ongoing symptoms, including the rectal bleeding, changes in stool, and left-sided pain. Mention the incidental finding of intussusception from your last CT scan to ensure that it is taken seriously.
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Inquire About Managing Pain: While you wait for evaluation and treatment in the emergency room, do not hesitate to ask about effective pain management options to help alleviate your discomfort.
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Stay Hydrated: Drink clear fluids while you're managing this situation, especially since you may have experienced blood loss and gastrointestinal changes.
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Take Care of Your Mental Health: With your busy life and responsibilities, it's also important to seek support during this stressful period. Consider reaching out to family or friends to help manage your daily tasks while you're focused on your health.
Your health is the priority, and understanding the urgency of your symptoms is key. I hope you can find clarity and relief soon.
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