Sorry in advance if the details of this post are kinda graphic. I'm sure everyone is used to it by now.
I was prescribed opiates for approximately 7 years from 2007-2014. The opiates caused chronic constipation which has extended into the three years since I've been off these drugs. As of late the constipation isn't as pronounced as it was previously but bowel discomfort and fairly intense flatulence have started. All these symptoms are relatively manageable and tolerable if i'm very careful of my diet(lots of veggies, foods that are easy for me to digest etc). On occasion when the constipation does flare up I'll have blood on the toilet paper but never in the stool. The blood usually appears after I've had several small and incomplete bowel movement in one day. This leads me to believe the blood is from excessive wiping rather than internal bleeding. I've recently gone to see a doctor about these symptoms. He says because of the blood a colonoscopy is required. The doctor spent little time asking me about diet, overall health, probiotic intake or any other possible natural, noninvasive remedies for my issues. I'm 30 in otherwise good health. I'll admit, i'm a naturally skeptical and cynical person but I'm concerned that this is an overkill and a moneymaking scheme to some degree. It just seems a bit drastic given my young age and the fact that the symptoms are manageable if i'm careful with my diet. Should I follow the doctors advise or is this an overkill? Any advise/knowledge would be appreciated. Thanks.