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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Sudden Episodes Of Diarrhea. Should A Doctor Be Consulted?

At 86, my dad looks in his 70's and is healthy and active. Mom died 4 yrs ago and we talk more freely about "delicate" things than ever before in my life :):) Just last week, he said he had gotten an enema because ALWAYS has a regular bowel movement everyday and hadn't had one in three days. A week before that he had a sudden case of diarrhea....and didn't get to the bathroom on time - making a mess he had to clean up. Just this afternoon around 4 pm, (we were outside his home talking with a neighbor when he suddenly excused himself). After 10 minutes, I went inside and he hollered that he had an accident and was cleaning himself and would shower.
Again, we NEVER used to talk like this (I'm a 66 yr old daughter who lives in town)..... Should I encourage him to see the doctor? This has just been happening (that I know of) in the last couple of months.
Tue, 30 Jul 2013
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General Surgeon 's  Response
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

Yes, should should definitely take him to the doctor. Such change in the stools patter can indicate serious large intestine disease. And as over the age of 50 the risk of colon cancer significantly rises, this should be the first condition to rule out.
Especially if he has also any weight loss, nausea, abdominal pain, weakness.

Please take him to the doctor and ask about colonoscopy.

Hope this will help.
Regards.
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Sudden Episodes Of Diarrhea. Should A Doctor Be Consulted?

Hello! Thank you for the query. Yes, should should definitely take him to the doctor. Such change in the stools patter can indicate serious large intestine disease. And as over the age of 50 the risk of colon cancer significantly rises, this should be the first condition to rule out. Especially if he has also any weight loss, nausea, abdominal pain, weakness. Please take him to the doctor and ask about colonoscopy. Hope this will help. Regards.