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Male | 19

Should I Seek Colonoscopy Due to My Unexplained Bowel Changes & Low B12 Levels?

Hello, I am a 19yo male. Months ago, I had some neurological symptoms and went to hospital. There, a blood test showed that I had really low B12 vitamin (under 90 pg/mL). I had some shots to increase B12 levels and hospital adviced me to go to GP and have gastroscopy and colonoscopy to find the cause of the deficiency, because it was not normal at that age to have that low b12 levels. So, the days I was taking the B12 shots and planning to go to a GP, I had some bowel symptoms, including changes in stool size (small-thin and rounded / however not hard to pass), and rarely a little blood on them. When I went to the GP, I told him the whole story and told me that I had to do some other blood tests first to see if there is any gastric inflammation and then we would see if endoscopy is needed. After doing several blood tests (ECR, CRP, etc..) and faecal calprotectin test, GP told me that results were normal and did not show any inflammation in stomach or colon, so no endoscopy was needed. He told me that these symptoms were from functional gastrointestinal disorders and hemmorhoids. All of these happened like 6 months before. Now, I still have small-thin and rounded stools (rarely i pass normal stools but most of times they are like that) - blood is very rare and in small amount. Generally, my diet is normal (includes fiber), i drink a lot of water, no anxiety, not anaemic, normal weight and I exercise. So, these changes in bowel habits that happened months ago (without having any lifestyle change) + little blood rarely + the B12 defficiency I had, make me think I should visit another GP and push for a colonoscopy. I tried to search if increasing B12 would cause such changes in bowel habits, but did not find something. The only family history I know are that some first degree relatives had a small B12 defficiency without symptoms and second degree relative had gastrectomy a lot of years ago. I am a little panicked because Ive been seeing colon cancer is on the rise among young people and unreasoned bowel changes that dont leave soon + blood (however mine is very rarely and little) may be red flag. Especially most cases in young people are advanced stages becaus they are not caught early. Thanks for reading till the end, what do you suggest me to do? Go to another GP? And even push for endoscopy? Finally, could the cause of hard pebble stool be somehow (?) the elevation of B12 so my system need some time to go back to normal again? Because B12 deficiency was slowly developing for years.

Dr. Samrat Jankar

Surgical Gastroenterologist

Answered on 11th Nov '24

While low B12 levels can affect the body in many ways, they usually don’t impact bowel habits like this. It’s great that you’ve had some tests, and they’ve ruled out any inflammation in your stomach or colon. Your symptoms might be due to functional gastrointestinal disorders or hemorrhoids, which are quite common and generally not too serious. Keep an eye on your symptoms, and try not to worry too much. However, if you’re still concerned, getting a second opinion from another doctor might help give you peace of mind.

2 people found this helpful

Questions & Answers on "Gastroenterology" (1253)

I'm 17 year old . I'm smoking and doing masterbation from last three years. Drink alcohol eight times and also eating junk food. Now I'm very week . My blood pressure is low at 70/100 . My digestive system also disturbed very badly.

Male | 17

Smoking, excessive masturbation, alcohol consumption, and junk food intake can be a great hindrance for your body before you live your life at its full potential. Weakness, low blood pressure, and digestive problems are manifested by these bad habits most of the time. Limit these addictions, eat healthier foods, and keep hydrated. Also, take a rest and let your body heal itself. 

Answered on 16th July '24

Dr. Samrat Jankar

Dr. Samrat Jankar

I’m wondering what is wrong with me or if I should go to the ER or make an appointment I’ve been having real bad pain on my left lower abdomen hurts when applying pressure to abdomen with stretching sometimes walking and flexing

Female | 26

A condition you see­m likely to have is appendicitis. Your appe­ndix is inflamed. The symptoms: stabbing agony in your lower tummy, mostly on the­ left, getting worse whe­n you apply hand pressure, bend, walk around, or fle­x your body. If you experience­ these signs, head straight to the­ emergency room, imme­diately. Appendicitis gene­rally needs surgical removal of the­ appendix to stop dangerous complications from arising.

Answered on 16th Aug '24

Dr. Samrat Jankar

Dr. Samrat Jankar

Stomach and chest size increased after bathing and eating too much heavy food.I noticed when I bathing my chest size increases even exercises increases chest size. But when I don't put water on chest my and I do exercises my chest decrease and look into good shape bathing is opposite.

Male | 23

Bloating in your tummy and chest are­a might be happening due to eating lots of heavy food can cause­. Your chest and stomach may seem bigge­r from bloating. The water from bathing could also make your che­st look different for a bit. Eat smaller me­als, stay away from heavy foods, and drink enough water. Doing some­ light exercises can also he­lp reduce bloating.

Answered on 5th Sept '24

Dr. Samrat Jankar

Dr. Samrat Jankar

I am a Female, 35 years of age, weight = 46 kg, height = 166 cm. My b12 level < 125, vit d = 9, I took arachitol 6L injection (single dose) and imbisem xp spray for b12 since last 2 weeks. I was diagnosed with Antral Gastritis and Esophagitis LA grade B in endoscopy in March 2020. Curretly, I am taking VONOMAC 20, LESURIDE 25, and CIZASPA-X empty stomach in morning once, along with IMBISEM XP spray for b12 after lunch. Can I take SORBILINE SYRUP (2 tsp) with these medicines to reduce my digestive troubles and extreme acidity? Is it safe to take this liver syrup with my ongoing gastric medicines (empty stomach daily) and b12 spray?

Female | 35

Sorbiline syrup can be of help in cases of digestive troubles and acidity. The product includes natural extracts from the liver for better digestion. Although it is usually safe to take with your current medications, it is still a good idea to check with your doctor first to avoid any interactions. You should strictly adhere to Sorbiline syrup's recommended dosage.

Answered on 7th Oct '24

Dr. Samrat Jankar

Dr. Samrat Jankar

Dear Doctor, Could a one-time irritation of previously asymptomatic internal hemorrhoids of grade 1 or 2 cause anal itching that would appear only 5 weeks after the irritation and develop into chronic itching persisting for several years? This concerns a 25-year-old young person. Is there any direct or indirect mechanism for this, or is it impossible? Thank you for your response, and I wish you all the best.

Male | 33

 In cases of non-recurrent, minor (grade 1 or 2) internal hemorrhoids it is quite likely that a protruding vein may cause an itch that will appear a few weeks later and will become chronic over time. This may happen due to irritation and skin sensitivity around the region. Itchy hemorrhoids can be effectively relieved by dipping over-the-counter topical creams and gels specifically made for hemorrhoid use. Also, practice good hygiene and think about making some dietary adjustments to avoid constipation.

Answered on 3rd Dec '24

Dr. Samrat Jankar

Dr. Samrat Jankar

I am currenlty facing problem with piles

Female | 28

To treat piles or hemorrhoids, you can try self care measures like try increasing fiber intake, stay hydrated, taking sitz baths, avoiding straining, maintaining good hygiene, and exercising regularly. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult an experienced gastroentrologist for further evaluation and potential medical procedures or surgery.

Answered on 23rd May '24

Dr. Samrat Jankar

Dr. Samrat Jankar

How long does a stab wound to the bowel takes to heal after surgery

Male | 31

A stab wound in the bowel is indeed a serious injury that will require surgery for a solution. After the surgery, the healing time can vary but it usually takes several weeks to a few months. Symptoms of this may involve intense pain, fever, and vomiting. Repairing the damaged bowel with surgery is the solution, in addition to proper wound care and medication to prevent infection, which is the main reason for the surgery. It's important to heed your doctor's orders to have a quick and easy recovery.

Answered on 9th Sept '24

Dr. Samrat Jankar

Dr. Samrat Jankar

I’m 18 I’ve been having some bowel issues. Around 2 years ago, I had a big IBS flare up (according to my doctor) that lasted for a while. Just recently, after not having much problems since, I’ve been feeling constipated. This occurred after being under some stress from a couple school tests (though, to me, the stress didn’t seem that much different from other stresses I’ve had). I would feel the urge to poop, but very little would come out (even though I felt like there’s a big piece that needed to). When I would push any harder, I could maybe get some more small pieces to come out, though it would burn and be discomforting. This would go on for a while until recently I would have some mild diarrhea. I know this is a bad habit, but I did some reading on the internet and learned that I may be having overflow diarrhea. I still have the feeling of being backed up (that a big piece of poop needs to come out) and nauseous - however not much abdominal pain (yet). I just tried a suppository and unfortunately it led to nothing but some mucus coming out. I’ve been anxious about this, however I’ve started to wonder: Am I getting bowel issues because I’m nervous, or am I nervous because I’m getting bowel issues. I’m here because I’m wondering if all this is an IBS episode, or if this is something more urgent. Both my parents believe it’s nothing but IBS, however, I am a little concerned that it could be something more dire. I’ve been trying to keep my mind off of it, however it is quite hard after knowing a suppository wouldn’t work.

Male | 18

I understand your concerns. The symptoms you're describing could be related to stress-triggered IBS, but it's essential to rule out other potential causes. Persistent changes in bowel habits, especially with discomfort and anxiety, warrant a visit to a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. They can determine the cause and provide appropriate guidance for management. Don't hesitate to discuss your symptoms openly with your doctor for accurate diagnosis and peace of mind.

Answered on 23rd May '24

Dr. Samrat Jankar

Dr. Samrat Jankar

Please I need prescription for bloated stomach

Female | 25

I cannot prescribe medicines without proper evaluation. Please consult a gastroenterologist or a general physician. Although you can try some home remedies that can help. Eat smaller, more frequent meals, drink more water, reduce intake of gas-producing foods, do regular physical activities. hope this helps.. 

Answered on 23rd May '24

Dr. Samrat Jankar

Dr. Samrat Jankar

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