Advice on occult bleeding
Posted: Fri May 11, 2018 6:09 pm
Hello,
I hope it is appropriate to seek advice here about my current situation. A little background. I am a 34 year old male that is otherwise healthy, and currently halfway through completing my bachelors of science in nursing. About mid February 2018 I started to experience unusual GI symptoms for me. I began having frequent loose and broken up stools that did not seem to have any trigger I could pinpoint. These come and go and have not improved with diet, probiotics or exercise. I consulted with my PCP at the VA and he attributed my symptoms to stress induced IBS and I was inclined to agree. However my symptoms have persisted and I became spooked a more nefarious cause may be driving my symptoms. I paid out out of pocket to have a fecal immunochemical test performed that came back positive for occult bleeding at 146 ng/ml, normal being less than 100 ng/ml. I have reported this to my pcp and he still does not seemed concerned, and does not believe I need a colonoscopy. How aggressive should I be in seeking a colonoscopy in this communities opinion, I am considering paying for this out of pocket as well.
My recent lab work showed no signs of anemia, but a mild elevated bilirubin, my PCP was also not concerned with.
Otherwise no significant abdominal pain, frank blood, dark stools, cramping, or other symptoms. I understand that I am a low risk patient given my age and lack of other comorbidities.
Thank you all so much for any advice.
I hope it is appropriate to seek advice here about my current situation. A little background. I am a 34 year old male that is otherwise healthy, and currently halfway through completing my bachelors of science in nursing. About mid February 2018 I started to experience unusual GI symptoms for me. I began having frequent loose and broken up stools that did not seem to have any trigger I could pinpoint. These come and go and have not improved with diet, probiotics or exercise. I consulted with my PCP at the VA and he attributed my symptoms to stress induced IBS and I was inclined to agree. However my symptoms have persisted and I became spooked a more nefarious cause may be driving my symptoms. I paid out out of pocket to have a fecal immunochemical test performed that came back positive for occult bleeding at 146 ng/ml, normal being less than 100 ng/ml. I have reported this to my pcp and he still does not seemed concerned, and does not believe I need a colonoscopy. How aggressive should I be in seeking a colonoscopy in this communities opinion, I am considering paying for this out of pocket as well.
My recent lab work showed no signs of anemia, but a mild elevated bilirubin, my PCP was also not concerned with.
Otherwise no significant abdominal pain, frank blood, dark stools, cramping, or other symptoms. I understand that I am a low risk patient given my age and lack of other comorbidities.
Thank you all so much for any advice.
