I think when it has to do with issues ... of the toilet nature ... people are much more private than other things. If he had these same symptoms, say, about his shoulder, he probably would have gotten it check out a long time ago.

My newly discovered problems with gluten are well-known around here, but I've had loose stools and diarrhea for years before I mentioned to my doctor, and I only did that when it progressed to a level where it was 5-6 times a day. And even then I kept telling myself I just had some bad lettuce. Why? I dunno. Embarrassment. Fear of cancer. Fear of doctors.

But I do send you lots of hugs and hope for you. Do not assume this is the worst. Wait until you know. And do your best to reassure your DH and be with him at the doctor's, etc.