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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Constipation, Abdominal Cramping, Unable To Expel Gas. Should I See A Doctor?

I am a healthy 65 year old female who is fairly active, working full time. I have not had any abdominal surgery or trauma. I have experienced constipation and severe abdominal cramping for the last 4 days. For most of that time I have been unable to even expel the gas creating the cramping. This morning I was able to excrete a small amount of loose stool and gas... but wonder if I should make an appt. for a colonoscopy or just try various fiber and hydration attempts first. how long before I should seek medical attention?
Wed, 30 Jan 2013
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

In people over 50 years old colon cancer risk rises. That is why, every neglecting symptom like constipations (seems like even partial obstruction is possible at your case), blood in stool, mucus in stool, weight loss, tiredness should be checked with colonoscopy. Colon cancer develops very slowly and it takes approximatively 10 years for it development so your symptoms can be present for years.
So please do not wait anymore and get scheduled for colonoscopy.

Hope this will help.
Regards.
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Constipation, Abdominal Cramping, Unable To Expel Gas. Should I See A Doctor?

Hello! Thank you for the query. In people over 50 years old colon cancer risk rises. That is why, every neglecting symptom like constipations (seems like even partial obstruction is possible at your case), blood in stool, mucus in stool, weight loss, tiredness should be checked with colonoscopy. Colon cancer develops very slowly and it takes approximatively 10 years for it development so your symptoms can be present for years. So please do not wait anymore and get scheduled for colonoscopy. Hope this will help. Regards.