Thanks, goldensun. When I see the gastroenterologist I'm going to first try and get him to do some type of diagnostic treatment, but if he insists I need the procedure I'm going to ask him for references for something like that. You also gave me a good idea to put it out to a group I'm a part of here which just happens to also have a number of people who are elderly. I e-mailed that group when I was stuck in two feet of snow in December. If someone in that group offers to take me themself that would be wonderful too. I hate asking for help!
I think its important to understand that whatever issues you are having, the colonoscopy could be very important to determine what the appropriate treatment might be. The treatment plans for Crohn's disease would be very different from Colon cancer or something as non critical as non-specific inflammation. The colonoscopy is considered the best way to diagnose all issues in that part of the body-- and thats why the doctors are so quick to go that route right off the bat. I understand your frustration, but think that once you have that procedure done you will be glad that you did even if they just tell you that everything is fine and no cause for concern.
I understand that, Sam. But at this moment the obstacles to doing that are almost insurmountable which is why I'm looking for another option. I actually started taking probiotics yesterday. I don't know if they will do anything for my symptoms but I have two weeks until the doctor appointment and it's worth a try.
Zoe, did you go to your gyn? it could be an ovarian cyst maybe.. I had 2, one ruptured eventually and I had a lot of pain and painful constipation etc. I hope the probiotics help you. I take those too, they do help my ibs symptoms but it has not been a cure for me... I take immodium and fiber pills as needed.
I did, meee, thanks for the suggestion. My doctor suggested ovaries at first and that seemed to fit the location of the pain so I went to an ob/gyn. The Ob/gyn said that cysts were not common in post menopausal women but she did an ultrasound and there were no cysts and no tumors, so she suggested colon issues.
Amazing when you post something how many other people have had similar experiences. I can't help but wonder if that would be similar if this were a same sized group of non-diabetics!
ok, that's good you ruled that out... hopefully it is just irritable bowel/ ibs... you may need more fiber in your diet. Yes it is... I had the cyst a few years before I was diagnosed with D but I think that time period was kind of the start of it all...