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Here's how to prepare before going to see the doctor
When you call to make an appointment, ask if there are any special things you need to do before you come. For example, you may need to make changes to your diet in the days leading up to your appointment. Also, be sure to have this information ready to help your doctor understand your condition and provide the best treatment.- Write down all the symptoms you have as a list: remember every little thing you feel, like stomach ache , bloating , vomiting .
- Your medical history : Details of all medications, vitamins , and supplements you are currently taking. It is also important to know if anyone in your family has had digestive diseases.
- Personal information: Things that you think could affect your health. For example, whether you are pregnant, have recently been under a lot of stress, or have you recently traveled a long distance.
If you have questions to ask the doctor, it's best to write them down on a piece of paper beforehand. Otherwise, you won't remember them in time.If possible, take a friend or family member with you on this journey. It's especially helpful if they know your symptoms. It's great to have someone to listen to and remember what the doctor says.
What kind of questions will the doctor ask you?
Your doctor will want to know how your constipation has affected your life. In addition to learning about your family and your medical history, he or she may ask questions like:- When did these symptoms start? How long has it been?
- Are these symptoms always there? Or do they come and go?
- Does doing something (eating food, taking medicine) make this condition better or worse?
- Do you have a stomach ache? Are you vomiting?
- How much do you eat and drink per day?
- Has your weight suddenly increased or decreased recently?
- Do you have blood in your stool when you go to the toilet? Or do you see blood stains when you wipe?
- Do you have to strain a lot when going to the toilet?
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Your doctor will do some basic tests to find out if you really have chronic constipation and if so, what is causing it. This may include a rectal exam, blood tests, urine tests, and a stool sample. Some of the tests may seem a little uncomfortable, but don't worry. The information they provide is very important in finding the cause of your problem. Your doctor will also want to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be causing your constipation. There are several tests that can look inside your intestines.| Name of the test | Simply put, what happens with this? |
|---|---|
| Flexible Sigmoidoscopy | A very thin, flexible tube is inserted through your anus to examine the lower part of your large intestine and rectum. A small camera at the end of this tube allows the doctor to see what problems are inside. |
| Colonoscopy | This is the same as the previous test, but it takes a little longer because it examines your entire large intestine. The doctor may give you a sedative to help you relax. |
| Barium Enema X-ray | In this, a white liquid called barium is inserted into your rectum through a small tube. This liquid makes any problems or blockages in your intestines more visible on an X-ray. |
Tests that check the functioning of the digestive system
Sometimes you may also need to have tests to see if the muscles and nerves in your digestive system are working properly.- Anal Manometry: This measures how well your anus is functioning. It measures the tightness of the muscles around the anus and how they respond to nerve signals. A thin tube with pressure sensors and a balloon is inserted into the anus. This test, which takes about 30 minutes, can give a good idea of how well the muscles are working.
- Balloon Expulsion Test: In this test, your doctor inserts a small, water-filled balloon into your rectum and asks you to push it out as if you were having a bowel movement. If it takes you more than a minute to push it out, it means that the muscles that help you pass stool are not working properly.
- Defecography: This test helps to see how your pelvic floor muscles and rectum work when you have a bowel movement. You lie down in a special toilet near an X-ray machine, and a paste that feels like stool is inserted into your rectum. You are then asked to hold it in place, then push it out. This process is monitored with video X-rays to identify any problems.
- Colon Transit Time Test: In this test, you swallow a small pill with a radioactive marker. The doctor then measures how long it takes for the pill to completely leave your body. If it takes more than 3 days, it means that food is moving through your digestive system abnormally slowly.
💡 Take-Home Message
- If you have constipation that persists for more than three weeks, don't ignore it. Definitely see a doctor.
- Before you go to the doctor, write down details about your symptoms, medications you are taking, and family medical history.
- Don't be afraid of medical tests. Even though they can be a little difficult, they are very important in finding the exact cause of your illness.
- Answer the doctor's questions honestly and clearly. And don't hesitate to ask any questions you have.
- This condition can be managed well by following your doctor's instructions carefully.
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