A member asked:

Husband age 50 has anemia-fatigue. constipation, gas, diarrhea. pcp has not ordered stool sample or made gi referral. go to er to get 2nd opinion?

8 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Dr. Silviu Pasniciuc answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

First opinion: What was his PCP opinion? I assume he or she has ordered some blood tests. Would suggest having first a discussion with his PCP regarding the plan before moving towards a second opinion. Your husband definitely needs a Gi consult and a colonoscopy.

Answered 6/20/2015

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Dr. Hunter Handsfield answered

Specializes in Infectious Disease

If anemia serious...: With no diagnosis so far, I think you're on the right track to insist on further evaluation, either by his PCP or a second opinion. For sure do so if anemia is definite and significant (hematocrit below 35, hemoglobin under 12). All the other symptoms mentioned could have non-urgent, non-dangerous causes. If he isn't profoundly weak and fatigued, this doesn't sound like it needs an ER visit

Answered 6/20/2015

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Dr. Neal Kraus answered

Specializes in Hospital-based practice

Imp / Urgent / Emerg: Differences are key. Diarrhea is not emergent unless contributing to dehydration. GI referral is reasonable. Tie-in would be undiagnosed tumor in GI tract --> partial obstruction + subclinical bleeding --> anemia --> fatigue + diarrhea (due to fluid leaking around obstruction. 50 + anemic means needs scope regardless, so should see a GI doc. Not likely Emergent. + Important. +/- urgent

Answered 1/1/2017

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