Expert: John C. M.D. - 3/19/2001

Question
I am 35 yr old female that has symptoms for several years, ranging from very frequent diarrhea, to heavy rectal bleeding, now the size of stools has greatly decreased. I then began having frequent lower left abdominal cramping- went to gyn- thinking female trouble- she says from exam it is that the pain is in the bowel- when she pressed in a particular area- it was very painful- so I have a colonoscopy scheduled- which I am terrified of having done-(why I have put it off for so long until pain started) is this really possibly bowel related? Thank you

Answer
Yes, it is very likely related to the bowel.  It would not surprise me if you have diverticular disease in the sigmoid colon.  Diverticulosis can affect even younger people in their 30s and 40s and can become infected causing significant pain and can also caused bleeding.  Colon cancer is a possibility, though more unlikely in your age group.  The colonoscopy is a great idea. I hope it goes well for you.