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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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85 Years Old, Suffering From Constipation, Followed By Diarrhea. Colonoscopy Suggested. X-ray, CT Required?

I am concerned about my mother who has had constipation followed by diarrhea . This has been occuring for 2 weeks now and her dr has refered her to someone for a colonoscopy . This appt is in August. Too long as far as I am concerned.Why hasnt she been refered for x ray or CT? She is 85. My concern is dehydration and nutirional depletion. It seems to me this should not be something that is left for over a month. Her referal isnt even a gastroenterologist . She is in a private health fund so shouldnt she be seen straight away by someone????
Tue, 17 Jul 2012
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Dear friend, welcome.
I would support you on early evaluation.
typically alternate constipation and diarrhea , especially in an elderly,
should be worked up to rule out bowel cancer.
not to scare you, but is a concern.
differentials could be many.
at least an ultrasound of abdomen / pelvis would tell if there is any tumour etc. also labs, and physical exam etc are necessary.
pl. give details of any tests already done.
good luck .. and keep me posted..
would like to answer...
thanks
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85 Years Old, Suffering From Constipation, Followed By Diarrhea. Colonoscopy Suggested. X-ray, CT Required?

Dear friend, welcome. I would support you on early evaluation. typically alternate constipation and diarrhea , especially in an elderly, should be worked up to rule out bowel cancer. not to scare you, but is a concern. differentials could be many. at least an ultrasound of abdomen / pelvis would tell if there is any tumour etc. also labs, and physical exam etc are necessary. pl. give details of any tests already done. good luck .. and keep me posted.. would like to answer... thanks