Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 8/19/2006

Question
Hello,
My name is Corina, I am a 41 year old female.  I had a hysterectomy (abdominal)done on July 12, 2006.  I went to my Doctor for my post op appointment on August 15, 2006.  He said everything came out fine and so he released me from his care.  He did tell me that when he opened me up he noticed that my colon was extremely "Large", he said it was so large that it was applying pressure to my feminine organs.  He has referred me to a Colon and Rectum Specialist and he has ordered a colonoscopy.  My question is, what should I ask the Colon Specialist?  Should I be worried that this may be "Colon Cancer" (we don't have a history of colon cancer in my family)?  I have had a lot of problems with constipation in the past 5 years and I get very bloated after every meal.  I have even gone down to one meal a day cause I feel like my food takes a whole day to digest.  Can you please let me know what kind of questions I should be asking this Doctor?  

Thank You
Corina
Austin Texas

Answer
Wait with questions until after the colonoscopy, then demand to know exactly what has been found in plain & straight language. There is no use to start asking questions until you have been examined, what is your dr. going to reply when nothing is known yet? But when you have been examined you have the right to know EVERYTHING!