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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Treatment For Abdominal Discomfort And Cramps?

Hi. Five years ago I had a colonoscopy at age 50 and had several benign polyps removed. The doctor recommended another in three years which I did not get. It has been four and a half years and this week I have put on weight, been rather sedentary and not really taking good care of myself. I am a single mom with three kids home and am the financial provider as well. I do not have health insurance and I am scared to go to a doctor...irrational I know. This week I noticed streaks of black in my stool that I do not recall seeing before and I have abdominal discomfort that feels like ovulation pain and cramps. I still am not in menopause so they could be unrelated. Are dark streaks in stool the same as bloody stool. It doesn t appear tarry . How long should it be there if it is going to resolve on its own before I go to see someone. Again, no insurance. I won t have it again for about three months. Is it safe to wait until then to get another colonoscopy?
Fri, 18 May 2018
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OBGYN, Gynecologic Oncology 's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Sorry to hear about your health issues. Please bear in mind that benign polyps of colon are a common problem happening in 1 out of 4 people. They are reported mostly after 50 years of age and often picked up on screening for bowel cancer. Recurrence is not common but colonoscopy every 3-5 years to pick them up and remove if necessary are advisable.

I note that you say you have put on weight. Now that is something that you could work on without having to spend hugely on treatment. Being overweight and having a family history of bowel cancer, increases the risk of this happening, especially in presence of polyps.

In balance, I would like to suggest that you take charge of your health especially diet and exercise to control the weight, with immediate effect. There are many online resources available, that could help you achieve this without much expense. Being aware of what and when you eat and how much time you give to active physical exercise is first step. Brisk walking with deep breathing is a no-cost measure to increase your calorie output over and above calorie intake. There are applications on smart phone that can help you record and change your life style. The greatest motivator in your circumstance could be the fact that you have three other young lives to care for and set out example of healthy living for them, by living it yourself. Once you are financially comfortable and immediate health concerns are settled, you could consider gentle bowel detox/ cleanse whichever is more appropriate at the time and then build up gut health with suitable supplements, prebiotics, probiotics and right diet.

Importantly, do contact your doctor for a colonoscopy appointment, given that you are reporting bloody or tarry streaks in your stool. I understand that not having insurance is an impediment, but ways can be agreed with your doctor to work round it. May be you can agree a payment schedule that suits your circumstance. You will come to know of possible solutions only if you ask. Communication is key. Take action for your health. Make intent to prioritize yourself, the rest will follow.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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What Is The Treatment For Abdominal Discomfort And Cramps?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Sorry to hear about your health issues. Please bear in mind that benign polyps of colon are a common problem happening in 1 out of 4 people. They are reported mostly after 50 years of age and often picked up on screening for bowel cancer. Recurrence is not common but colonoscopy every 3-5 years to pick them up and remove if necessary are advisable. I note that you say you have put on weight. Now that is something that you could work on without having to spend hugely on treatment. Being overweight and having a family history of bowel cancer, increases the risk of this happening, especially in presence of polyps. In balance, I would like to suggest that you take charge of your health especially diet and exercise to control the weight, with immediate effect. There are many online resources available, that could help you achieve this without much expense. Being aware of what and when you eat and how much time you give to active physical exercise is first step. Brisk walking with deep breathing is a no-cost measure to increase your calorie output over and above calorie intake. There are applications on smart phone that can help you record and change your life style. The greatest motivator in your circumstance could be the fact that you have three other young lives to care for and set out example of healthy living for them, by living it yourself. Once you are financially comfortable and immediate health concerns are settled, you could consider gentle bowel detox/ cleanse whichever is more appropriate at the time and then build up gut health with suitable supplements, prebiotics, probiotics and right diet. Importantly, do contact your doctor for a colonoscopy appointment, given that you are reporting bloody or tarry streaks in your stool. I understand that not having insurance is an impediment, but ways can be agreed with your doctor to work round it. May be you can agree a payment schedule that suits your circumstance. You will come to know of possible solutions only if you ask. Communication is key. Take action for your health. Make intent to prioritize yourself, the rest will follow. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.