Bad GI doctor experience

[kah22]

As some of you probably know by now, I am so scared of colon cancer right now.  I have always been a constipated person and my family dr said I have IBS.  Well, I am 25 wks pregnant and this week I noticed some blood in my stool 2 times after going to the bathroom.  I didn't have any blood when I wiped.  I called my doc and they referred me to a gi dr because of this and having some mucous in my stools off and on. 
Well, today was my appt.  5 minutes after he walked in the door he told me I have to get a colonoscopy, he seemed concerned.  I asked him if he thought it was colon cancer or something.  He said he did not think it was colon cancer because of my age and even if it was, he wouldn't even do anything about it until after the baby because they take a long time to grow.  He was more concerned that it was colitis and told me colitis could be very dangerous to have while pregnant.  Now I know that colonoscopies are usually contraindicated in pregnancy because of all the risks to the baby and pregnancy and I told him that.  He told me that the risks of colitis far outweighed the risks of a colonoscopy.  But then he told me that I would have to have it done at a hospital with a level 2 neonatal intensive care unit in case of a problem!!  That really scared me, I told him that I have a history of preterm labor and that I lost twin boys at 22 weeks because of this and that I need to get a stitch put in my cervix everytime I'm pregnant to help.  He still insisted I get the colonoscopy.
So, I left there really upset!  I called my mom, who works at my OB/GYN office and she said that I definitely need a second opinion before I get this done.  She said that the OB/GYN office never heard of colitis being so dangerous to the pregnancy and that they would be more worried about the colonoscopy.  I also called my family dr.  She also said that I should probably get a second opinion also.
So, on Monday I have to make some calls to find a dr for a second opinion.  In the meantime, I have to worry that something is seriously wrong with me!  
The dr never checked me in the office for hemorrhoids or anything, which I thought was pretty common in pregnancy.  I don't know how gi dr appts work but I thought for sure he would at least check to see if I had an internal hemorrhoid or something.  I could see then if he didn't see any hemorrhoids or anything why he might be concerned and consider a colonoscopy.  I don't know, I am so overwhelmed and anxious about this, what do you all think?

[VILLEFAN4]

  Definately get a second opinion.  Coming from someone who has had a son born at 23 weeks, I'm telling you to be cautious.  I've never heard of colitis being dangerous to the baby.  Did he say why?  I will bet that you have hemoroids.  I had both blood and mucous and it turned out to be internal hemoroids and IBS.  Seems like a lot of us are posting with the same lately.  You would think that the OB/GYN would know about this!  I'll be praying for you.  Stacey

[scooter]

Why don't you get a second opinion from someone who specializes in high risk pregnancies and testing? They usually know what tests are worth the risk and which are not. Ask your OB for a recommendation and get in there for an appointment/consultation. I think you will get better info from someone like that than a regular OB or a regular gstro doc. You need someone who understand BOTH sides of the coin here and can give you accurate information.

Oh, and don't Google!! Let a knowledgable doctor discuss the pros and cons instead and you will be less likely to be panicked any further.

[Eva62]

I was diagnosed with colitis at age 18.  Both my brother and cousin also have it.  I had two babies and it never was a problem.  Your colitis can act up after eating fatty and greasy foods.  My OB/GYN who is one of the best high risk OBs in Manhattan (other doctors send their patients to him) was not concerned at all.
BTW, all gastros doctors order colonoscopies.  It is the their only way of seeing what is inside.  If you went to the gastro doctor complaining of GERD, I bet he would still order a colonoscopy.

Eva