Bowel issues are often ignored or considered taboo. But in fact, millions of people of people worldwide are living with bowel issues1 – and talking to someone about what is going on is the first step to getting help. This article explains the process of getting help with your bowel issues and what you may do to prepare for a consultation about your bowel.
“If the bowels don’t function properly, there is often something else that doesn’t work either. The whole life is affected. Sex life, bladder and bowels, it’s really important that it all works.” – Anna, trained bowel nurse
What is the process of getting help?
Before diving into the specifics of how a consultation about your bowel may play out, it is important to have the overall journey in mind so you know what to expect. Below is a summary of the different steps that may play a part in getting you the treatment you need.
- Phone consultation
- 2nd in person consultation
- Prescription
- Bowel management treatment offered
The initial consultation
When you start to experience symptoms of a bowel disorder, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. Your primary care doctor or GP can be your first point of contact. They will likely ask you a lot of questions about your symptoms to try and assess your situation.
What will they ask me?
When talking to a doctor in relation to bowel issues, they might ask how long you've had the issue and what symptoms you're experiencing. In answering, it is important to be as detailed as possible so they can get a true sense of the issue. Doctors may also ask if symptoms change during the day, with certain behaviours or foods, and if there has been any change in frequency or intensity over time.
During a medical consultation, a doctor may also inquire about your existing medical conditions and all medications, including prescriptions, vitamins, and supplements. It is crucial to provide a comprehensive list. Additionally, they may ask if there is a history of digestive disorders in your family. These questions help the doctor understand your overall health and potential factors that could contribute to your symptoms.
What can I do to prepare?
In preparation for your consultation, it can be a good idea to gather your medical history where possible.
Sometimes, completing a bowel diary ahead of your visit also proves helpful; by documenting your bowel’s behaviour, you have clear evidence of your symptoms you can then discuss in the session.
You may also choose to complete a bowel check to get a helpful summary of relevant symptoms specific to you. You may want to refer to this when you start the conversation.
Also, think about questions you may want to ask, and what information you really need at this time. If you discuss treatments, do not forget to ask about side effects, and what results you may expect. If you are in the early stages of your diagnosis and treatment, you can ask about additional actions you can take to improve your condition, such as dietary changes.
What comes after the consultation?
If necessary, your GP may refer you on to another specialist. Gastroenterologists, neurologists, colorectal surgeons, and other specialised clinicians have the necessary expertise to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal conditions.
Meeting with the right clinician will help to ensure a thorough assessment, tailored guidance, and access to advanced treatment options.
Getting the right treatment
Once your symptoms are checked, your healthcare provider will talk about possible treatments with you. Remember, finding the right treatment might take time. It often involves trying different options until the best one is found. Treatments may include:
- Dietary modifications and lifestyle changes
- Medications, such as laxatives or stool softeners
- The use of medical devices
- In some cases, surgery
Treatment options that are least invasive, such as diet and medication, will commonly be explored first. Then, minimally invasive treatments such as transanal irrigation (TAI) may be considered. There are many options to explore to help find relief, long before surgery becomes a consideration.
Read more about different treatment options below:
Key takeaways
You do not have to live with your bowel issues in silence.
- Seek help – reach out to your primary care doctor for guidance
- Prepare for consultations – document your symptoms, write down any questions, and try to know your medical history
- Specialists can help after a referral, with a systematic approach to find the right treatment for you
- Different treatments may be explored in turn to find the best solution, including medications and procedures like TAI.
- Sperber A D, Bangdiwala S I, Drossman D A, et al. Worldwide Prevalence and Burden of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Results of Rome Foundation Global Study. Gastroenterology. 2021;160(1):99-114.e3.
