Colonoscopy Approaching, But Symptoms Have Intensified – What Should I Do?
Summary: A colonoscopy is on the horizon in just ten days, yet I am experiencing significantly increased rectal bleeding. Should I reach out to my physician, visit the emergency room, or simply wait for the procedure? I am a 29-year-old Asian male, standing at 5'9" and weighing 165 pounds. I do not use recreational drugs and rarely consume alcohol. For several years, I have been using a steroid-based inhaler for asthma, along with taking daily Zyrtec for allergies. Additionally, I ingest four Kirkland fiber capsules each day, which provide roughly 1.4 grams of fiber, slightly under a full serving. It’s worth mentioning that I am a gay man who has not engaged in anal intercourse for the last three months due to my current health concerns. Throughout my life, I have dealt with gastrointestinal problems, but I've noticed a significant decline in my condition over the past year. This has raised alarms since I've been actively trying to enhance my diet, leading me to expect some improvement in my gut health. To provide some context, I have encountered three episodes of bloody stools in the past year. I didn’t fret too much about them as each incident was minor and occurred several months apart. I had an appointment with a gastroenterologist this week, and during our visit, we arranged for a colonoscopy. Interestingly, after meeting with the specialist, my symptoms deteriorated drastically. I am now experiencing much more substantial rectal bleeding. While it's tricky to quantify exactly how much, it is certainly more than I’ve ever experienced. Each time I have a bowel movement, it requires at least four wipes to feel clean due to persistent blood. I’m now contemplating whether this could warrant a visit to the emergency room or if I should stick it out until the scheduled colonoscopy. I presume that aside from conducting the colonoscopy, there isn’t much the emergency room could do to address the issue, which gives me some comfort in the thought of waiting. How should I proceed?
Answers (1)
7/12/2025, 6:50:31 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned when experiencing increased rectal bleeding, especially with a colonoscopy scheduled soon. While it’s good that you're scheduled for this procedure, significant changes in your symptoms warrant prompt evaluation. Here’s how to proceed.
Key Points:
- Increased Rectal Bleeding: Your symptoms have intensified, including substantial bleeding that’s more than you’ve experienced before. This can indicate a serious issue that needs attention.
- Immediate Attention Needed: Although you have a colonoscopy scheduled, the increase in bleeding suggests it's important to seek medical evaluation before the procedure.
Explanation:
Rectal bleeding can have various causes, including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or more serious conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease) or polyps. The fact that your bleeding has increased substantially is a concern and suggests that it should not be ignored.
Next Steps:
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Given the severity and change in your symptoms, it’s advisable to visit the emergency room or your healthcare provider sooner rather than later. Describe your symptoms clearly, including the volume of blood and frequency.
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Track Symptoms: Until you are seen by a healthcare professional, keep a note of any additional symptoms you may have, such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, or any feelings of faintness or weakness.
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Prepare for Your Visit: If you go to the ER, be ready to discuss your history, current medications (like your inhaler and Zyrtec), and the issues you've faced over the past year. This will help the healthcare team provide the best care.
It’s better to err on the side of caution when it comes to rectal bleeding, and it’s excellent that you’re aware of your health status. Don't hesitate to get the help you need. If you have more questions about managing your symptoms or what to expect in the emergency room, feel free to ask!
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