You may want to pay in full for your first visit to a gastroenterologist while waiting for your insurance to become effective. That's what I did. To me, the benefit of seeing a GI specialist outweighed the cost of the office visit. However, it's up to you to decide when and if you need to see a doctor.For OTC help with constipation, I recommend taking a dose of Citrucel every morning. Also, be sure you are drinking 6-8 glasses of water and clear liquids everyday. The water and fiber will help bulk up your stools and make them easier to pass. It may take a few weeks for your body to get used to the extra fiber, but it really can be helpful in combatting chronic constipation.Good luck!
