Uncomfortable feeling of having to have a Bowel Movement all the time.

Dear Ask The Doctor: I feel like I have to have a bowl movement all the time. This is a constant feeling of pressure, it does not necessarily hurt but is present all the time even after I have had a movement. Have recently been slighlty constipated occassionally but at other times all is normal. Discomfort seems to be concentrated on the right side. This is out of the ordinary for me and I wonder if it is something to be concerned about. What specialist should I meet with? Gastrointerologist?

Dear Brig: I would definitely seek to get some tests done. You are correct that a Gastroenterologist is the type of doctor you would want to see. My first step of action however would be to go see your family doctor and see what they have to say. If they feel it is appropriate to refer you to a gastroenterologist, that would be the best course of action to take. This is definitely something to be concerned with and I would suggest you make an appointment sooner than later with your doctor.