How much blood is too much blood?

My Crohn's originally manifested itself in bloody stools--this symptom is what got me to the hospital and in for a colonoscopy and diagnosis.

I've occasionally had problems with a touch of blood here and there, but recently I've been having very bloody stools--no diarrhea, just soft formed with what almost looks like bloody, fleshy pieces. Since I haven't had this problem post-diagnosis, I'm not sure what is severe enough to warrant attention. Overall, I feel fine.

I'm out of town and would not be able to see a GI for two weeks, but if this continues to worsen at the rate that it has been, I'm wondering at what point I may need to head to an ER.

Any advice or experiences for those who experience this symptom?

Maybe it's some mucous coated with blood? In any case, I think any change in bowel habits should be mentioned to your doctor right away. Even if you can't get in to see one, I think you should call and leave a message for your GI, and see what he says you should do. He may say wait and see, or he may say add entocort/Lialda/canasa, or schedule a colonoscopy, etc.

I am a strong believer in treating it at the earliest signs of a flare up. My husband really was hurt by a very slow diagnosis while in the hospital, which made him go from bad to worse.

I hope you feel better soon.

PV

I too am a heavy bleeder and I have in past emailed cell phone pictures of my poop to them, to ask that same question.

If nothing else call them and tell them that you are taking a stool sample to the lab to get checked out and need an order for it. 

I am also a bleeder... Less so now but there have been times I swear I've lost about 4 oz at once. (From watching not just because it turned the bowl red, which doesn't take much blood.) My docs have told me this is nothing to worry about, but to let them know.

However, one time I hemorrhaged - according to ER I had only half my "normal" level of blood in my system. That time I passed clots (that looked like red jello) that were over an inch around - like 2-3 dice or so. The blood just gushed and gushed. *that* took me to ER followed by a week in the hospital.

So, heavy bleeding is never anything to overlook. If it's a finite amount and stops on its own quickly, it's probably not anything to really worry about. If it's seemingly a large amount, get to ER. No matter what, bleeding is *always* something to discuss with your doctor. It's amazing what we get used to over time... ;-) Hang in there. Hope you're feeling better soon!

Oh! Just thought to add this... If you are bleeding quite a bit each day, it might be a good idea to kind of lay low. I've had the doctors tell me that when I'm actively bleeding that I should hold off or go really light on any type of exercise.

IMHO ...  If you have to ask "how much is too much", then you have too much.  I would continue to try to talk to your doctor.  Let his receptionist know it is very important.  Good luck and feel better.

Hey everyone--

Finally heard back from the doc and he's putting me on a 2x/day suppository (for hemorrhoids) for a week--if no improvement I will get a scope done. I'm fairly sure it's not hemorrhoids as this is exactly what I had when I was diagnosed (this GI did not diagnose me) and a complete exam for hemorrhoids at the time. But, fingers crossed!

Thanks again!

I would not panic, but call your GI and tell him about this as soon as you can.
Just so he knows what is going on and so he can schedule appointment to see you when you get into town.

I was a heavy bleeder for 3 months nothing we could do just wait till the meds started working.
But my doc was well aver of my situation and he had me come in for regular check ups.
I also needed to get some iron infusions but other than that I was fine