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Normally, we visit our doctor and, during the consultation or after a few basic tests, he or she uncovers the problem and recommends an appropriate treatment. Most of the time, the process is straightforward. But not always. Many bowel symptoms may be vague, or apply to several potential causes. It is therefore quite common for your doctor not to immediately get to the root of your problem – they often need to eliminate the most likely causes first.

Because today’s scientists can clone animals and genetically select embryos, it is tempting to believe that doctors should be able to spot every medical problem, quickly and accurately. I’m not an apologist for poor medicine, but neither are doctors superhuman. They can’t – too often because of limited medical or financial resources – assume that every case of constipation is caused by bowel cancer and send every patient for a full screen of exhaustive tests. There will inevitably be an occasional patient whose serious problems weren’t spotted early enough.

However, doctors should NEVER rule out the possibility of you having a rare disorder simply because it is rare and statistically unlikely to happen in their catchment area. If your doctor does rule out a problem simply on the grounds of rarity, question him. Ask him to explain his logic and make sure that he tests for all eventualities once the common causes have been eliminated.

A patient’s job is to help the doctor isolate their problem as quickly as possible, by giving him or her the best quality information. Equally, your doctor is obliged (at least morally) to give you a satisfactory explanation of what he thinks your problem may be, and tell you what he proposes to do.

You are entitled to ask questions. You are entitled to know about the medicines you are prescribed – what they are supposed to do, how long you will need to take them, what the chances are of them working and what the side effects may be. Your doctor may not always know the answers, but you are also entitled to ask him about self-help measures you might be able to try and also about alternative therapies.

Most doctors are pushed for time, but if your questions are focused and precise, and you go prepared, you can still get all the relevant information in a fairly brief session. If your doctor tells you he doesn’t have the time to answer all your questions, book another, longer, appointment. A doctor who doesn’t have time to explain the essential basics to his patients is not doing his job properly. Remember, it’s your body – not his. If you are still dissatisfied with the diagnosis (or lack of one), or your problem persists or worsens, then you should feel completely comfortable about taking further action.

You must always go back to your doctor if:

your problem doesn’t respond to treatment within a reasonable time

your symptoms change

your problem gets worse

If you’re still unhappy, seek a second opinion. There doesn’t have to be war over it – doctors know their patients’ rights. All you need to do is explain you feel there may be more to your problem than he seems happy to acknowledge and that you want to see someone else.