The Oaks Hospital · Colchester, Essex
Change in Bowel Habit Investigation in Colchester
A lasting change in bowel habit — looser, more frequent or harder stools — should be checked. Dr Thines Karunakaran offers rapid consultant-led assessment and colonoscopy at The Oaks Hospital in Colchester.
Dr Thines Karunakaran
Consultant Gastroenterologist
When to seek assessment
You should have specialist assessment if you have:
- Looser or more frequent stools for more than a few weeks
- New constipation that is not settling
- Alternating diarrhoea and constipation
- A change in bowel habit with rectal bleeding
- A change with weight loss, anaemia or abdominal pain
- A family history of bowel cancer or inflammatory bowel disease
Why prompt investigation matters
Most changes in bowel habit are due to benign causes such as IBS, infection, diet, medication, coeliac disease or microscopic colitis. A persistent change can occasionally be a sign of Crohn's disease, colitis or bowel cancer, so it is important to find the cause quickly — and most patients are reassured.
What happens at your appointment
Dr Karunakaran will review your symptoms, medication and family history, and usually arrange blood and stool tests (including faecal calprotectin) and, where appropriate, a colonoscopy. Findings are explained on the day; biopsy results can take a few weeks to come back.
Insured and self-pay
Recognised by insurers including Bupa (Fee Assured), AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality, WPA, Healix, Allianz, Aetna International, The Exeter and Benenden Health. Self-pay patients are welcome — consultations are £215 and follow-ups £150, with any tests or endoscopy quoted separately in advance.
Change in Bowel Habit FAQs
When should a change in bowel habit be checked?+
If it lasts more than three or four weeks, or comes with bleeding, weight loss, anaemia or abdominal pain, you should have specialist assessment.
Will I need a colonoscopy?+
Often, particularly if you are over 40, have bleeding or anaemia, or blood or stool tests are abnormal. It is the most accurate way to examine the large bowel and take biopsies.
Is this bowel cancer screening?+
No — this is investigation of your symptoms. It is different from the NHS bowel cancer screening programme, which you should continue to take part in when invited.
How quickly can I be seen?+
Appointments at The Oaks Hospital in Colchester are usually available within days, with colonoscopy typically arranged soon after. Book online through The Oaks or contact my secretary on 07861 393237.
Get your change in bowel habit assessed
GP referrals and self-referrals welcome · Rapid appointments at The Oaks Hospital, Colchester.