Bowel/Colon issue

Franchot

I know the rules, not looking for medical advice just some feedback.

I'm a male in my late 30's. I have had the classic symptons of hemorrhoids/anal fissure for about 10 days...soreness/throbbing when having a bowel movement and for a short while afterwards with some ocassional bright red blood on the toilet paper.

I visited a GP(my first time with this doctor) to confirm this and seek advice. I explained my symptons and the relevant fact that a close family member had survived bowel cancer in the past.
She diagnosed it as piles/hemorrhoids, based on my information and gave me a week long suppositories prescription as treatment. I think that was going to be the end of the consultation until I began to discuss bowel/colon health in general, at which point a colonoscopy appointment in the local hospital was suggested and my abdomen briefly examined. I don't think this would have been arranged until I began asking questions and I feel that it was to keep me happy and perhaps cover the doctor.

My queries are;

I thought a physical exam of the area i.e. rectal exam, would have been automatically done? Not that I would relish such an exam, but if I had an issue with my ear, eye etc. I would expect a doctor to examine the area.

I have no other bowel problems/symptons, so I don't want to get an invasive procedure such a a colonoscopy (under general anesthetic, according to the hospital) unless it is necessary. I am fully aware and pepared for the fact that I am a candidate for a colonoscopy in the coming years, because of my family history.

My appointment is with a general surgeon, not a specialist. I presume I can request another consultant if I decided to go ahead with it as this stage?

Thanks.

tallaght01

No one here can, or will, give you feedback on what happened during your consultation. If you're happy go to another doc. You have to tell them you've seen the first one.

General surgeons are often the guys who are best at bowel stuff, too.

Good luck.