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Posted 10/3/2005 8:58 PM (GMT 0)

Hi again guys, I have a question, it’s scaring me and I don’t know what to do about it but for the last five days or so ive been finding blood in the toilet. I was wondering if any one else has this, and if you do or even if you don’t, what you think it could possibly be cased from/due to? Because its pretty scary.

 

I used to get little spots of blood on the toilet paper because I developed a hemorrhoid after having so many frequent BMs, but this blood is different. At first I thought it was related to my period but that’s been over for days and there’s still blood there. It falls into the bowl and colours the water (sorry to be so graphic!), and when it falls directly onto the white bits of the toilet its DEFINITELY blood, not weird coloured stools or anything. When I wipe there is A LOT more blood than there was when it was from my hemorrhoid.

 

I was just wondering what I should do, and what type of doctor I should see,(a gastro or a normal doc) and if any one else has had this problem before??

 

Thanks,

 

A worried Phoebe

Posted 10/3/2005 9:15 PM (GMT 0)
hey,

you should see a GI doctor, or your PCP.  i had blood in my stools for 29 days straight.  it finally has stopped several days after having a colon polyp removed during a colonoscopy.

is it bright red?  is it kind of "snotty" like mucus.  (sorry graphic..)  or is it dark?  and is it in the stool or afterwards.  (i think you mentioned that it is afterwards...)

mine was from my polyp, it was snotty and everywhere, sometimes it was just blood and no stool.  at first i wasn't going to go to a doctor but i am very glad i did, that is how i was diagnosed with a whole bunch of other stuff and i am on my way to healing...

my feeling now is that you should see a doctor if you have blood.

i haven't ever had a hemmoriod, but it could be that you have one, internally, maybe? that is what they checked me for first, then did blood and stool cultures and then colonoscopy and other stuff... you should call the doctor and be seen.

best of luck to you, i know it is scary...my thoughts are with you!

--bunny

 

Posted 10/3/2005 9:21 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the fast reply!!

It is sort of dark, but also kinda ‘snotty’ like you described, especially when it’s on the toilet paper. It is in the stool but also comes out a lot afterwards sort of separately, it’s strange. I think ill make a doc’s appointment this morning, because I’ve heard that blood in a stool is really not a good sign, and it scares me when I see it! I was used to seeing little bits on the toilet paper so when I see a little stream of it its scary!
How did the colonoscopy feel? I’ve heard some bad stories and I don’t wanna have a bad experience, but I know it’ll be worth it if they find something there!
Posted 10/3/2005 9:24 PM (GMT 0)
Hi phoebe, I would call all your docs and see which one can see you first. The blood can mean several things (hemis, polyps, infection, Crohn's) - but not matter which, it should be addressed ASAP.
Good luck! Please let us know what you decide.

The colonsocopy itself isn't that bad.  The worse part is the prep (D & hunger).  If you're used to having D it isn't so bad.... just take a book or hand held game with you into the john.  tongue

Post Edited (7Lil) : 10/3/2005 3:27:28 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/3/2005 9:34 PM (GMT 0)

QUOTE: "If you're used to having D it isn't so bad.... just take a book or hand held game with you into the john"

 

hehe ohh ok it its just lots of D then I can handle that! Its the story of my life!;)

 

i will go and see my normal GP doc first, because he's just down the road and can usually see me on the same day I call. He's referred my to a gastroenterologist but i havent been to see him yet because i dont know where the surgery is and im really bad at finding my way to places when i dont know where im going! Almost crashed into someone yesterday driving my friends to the airport because i was concentratnig too hard on the signs! Aaaanyway, I hope they find out what it is, even if it means me getting a camera put inside my bottom and moved about!

Posted 10/3/2005 9:38 PM (GMT 0)
Yea see your PCP ASAP!  I would even go to a "Urgent care" place if your OK with see a doc your not used too.  Possibly ER if you continue to bleed.  Are you on any medications such as blood thinners?  Constantly take asprin or other NSAIDS?  Your PCP can draw some blood tests to see if you have an infection (Elevated white blood cells in the test).  See if you have been bleeding bad enough to become anemic and ect.  Also the PCP can preform a hemocult test.  That might invlove a rectal exam - depending on your doc.  If not you have to put a small smudge of stool on a cardboard slide and give it back to the doc.  Or they have "drop in toilet" ones too now.  They are not as accurate.  After a little workup he might refer you to a GI doc.  That doc will want a colonoscopy ASAP.  Getting one is easy, they give you some great drugs and you cant remember the entire procedure / and most of the day sometimes too :-) .  If you have something bleeding the GI guy can in plain english "burn it" so it stops.  If it is a growth of some kind he will remove it that day.  Getting ready for the colonoscopy is the worst part lots of trip to the bathroom.
Posted 10/3/2005 9:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hey phoebe,
You already got some good advice so I don't have too much to add. The blood color is a good indication of where the blood is coming from. The darker the blood, the higher up in the GI tract it is. The blood turns blacker as that is how it reacts to digestion. Definitely go prepared to tell the doctor if you are having pain, the amount of blood, the consistency, and the color. Good luck to you and I hope everything goes well.
Take Care
Posted 10/3/2005 10:02 PM (GMT 0)
thanks so much guys you've been such a great help, i cant say how much this advice has helped me. because lastnight i got up in the night (as i do three-4 times every night) to go to the toilet, and there was blood and i went back to bed crying because i was scared what it might be, and i didnt know whether i was over-reacting or something, or whether i was worrying for nothing, but it cant be a good sign, so i hope they find out what it is and get rid of it! It might even be the same thing that has been making my bowel so 'irritable' for the last few months. it would be such a miracle if it was! i will hopefully be seeing the GP today, so if i get an appointment I will get on the computer as soon as i get back and tell you what happened. I was considering going to an er or something, i dont think id be losing too much blood, but i feel SO TIRED thismorning, although it could be because of my five o clock work starts this week.

thanks again guys you're the best!
Posted 10/3/2005 10:32 PM (GMT 0)
i second that, don't take any ibprophen or other blood thinners!!! ( i found out with all my bleeding i was anemic too... i will only take tylenol.) and i went and saw an urgent care doctor, but for me i had to go to a PCP, then get the referral and all that jazz (hmo). but definetly be seen!!!
i think the "snottyness" is sometimes a sign of infection.
you are important, get tests done.
the before and after of the colonoscopy bothered me... i had a whole lot of cramping afterwards, but i too am very used to the D's. but it is something that really help--i had a similar attitude, i was about a step away from begging the doctor to do the colonoscopy--i knew something was there and needed to be fixed!
best of luck, hang in there and take care of yourself!!
-bunny
Posted 10/4/2005 9:03 AM (GMT 0)

Hi again guys, just got back from the doctor. Turns out I should have made an appointment with the gastroenterologist. The Dr told me to make an appointment ASAP and that it is ‘extremely urgent’, he said to tell the surgery I need attention straight away, so I told them that and they’ve kindly squeezed me into a doctor’s lunch hour next Tuesday, a week from now. The doc I saw today says it sounds like I have an infection quite high up in my system somewhere, because the blood is sort of mucousy, sort of like menstrual blood and quite dark.

 

I’m pretty scared about what it might be but trying not to think about it, and also the fact that I’ll probably have to have a colonoscopy. What does the prep involve? Do you just take a tablet that makes you have lots of diahorrea? How long do you have to fast for? I am so full of questions!

 

Also I was wondering if anyone else out there has had an infection and if they know what cases them? My body is such a mystery to me!

 

Thanks again for all the support guys, I'm looking forward to getting myself figured out.

Posted 10/4/2005 10:56 AM (GMT 0)
my prep included a liquid diet, then drinking a 1/2 bottle of magnisuim citrate (a salty soda laxative) then drinking 2 liters of "half lytely" 8oz every 10 minutes. (i would rather not imbibe of it again...) a whole lotta going to the toilet!!!
those were my instructions, but there are a lot of others--depends on your doctor. the Half-lytely does come with pills and the drink (well it is a powder, you add the water and shake). I don't know why i was told to do it differently...
but basically you are cleaning out you bowels... so yeah there is a lot of diarrhea... (mine looked radio-active, sorry that was gross...)
the liquid diet for me was the whole day before but nothing after midnight, not even water.
make sure you get your instructions for after the procedure either before they knock you out or tell whoever is driving you home. I was given my instructions while i was high and was very confused, and my husband had to call them up to ask how to care for me. i had a lot of gas, cramping, sore throat (i also had an EGD) and i was so tired and hungry.... but i am so glad that i had it done, and you will be too--they will help and make you all better!!
remember that your health is very important!!
feel better,
--bunny
Posted 10/4/2005 11:10 AM (GMT 0)
just to add to the colonoscopy prep, when eating jello and such (since thats all you can have really) do not eat red or orange jello during prep as it might mess up the what they see on the scope. also, keep hydrated! drink lots of water ( i think you have to stop drinking fluids 5 hours before) i can't remember how long exactly, but i stopped too soon (wrong directions) and got sick. and if you do not want to remember or be awake during the scope, just tell the nurses and doctors you are really really nervous, i did that and i went to sleep not even a minute after they gave me the drug and woke up in recovery wanting to go to the nearest resturant asap! just remember that they do this procedure all the time and they'll be able to find out what the cause is. i hope you feel better soon! goodluck and godbless!
Posted 10/4/2005 9:25 PM (GMT 0)
thanks guys that makes me not so nervous! I will keep you updated, the appointment is next tuesday, six days from now. Its just for a consultation so I suppose they'll schedule me in later for the colonoscopy. I sort of wish I had one earlier, because now I'm quite anxious about what this could be. I now dread going to the toilet because i don't want to look at the blood it scares me! And yesterday I felt so tired and faint I thought I could ... well... faint!
I am just praying to god it's not anything too serious. I was looking up signs and symptoms on the net lastnight, and I came upon colon cancer and I have ALL the symptoms and god it scared me, i just freaked out and started crying. Muy boyfriend was really good tho (I live with my boyfriend, miss my parents like hell, wish they were here), he put me under strict instructions that I AM NOT allowed to look at thatstuff anymore! Its for the doctors to figuire out i know but curiosity got the better of me and ended up making me feel worse!
Posted 10/4/2005 9:46 PM (GMT 0)

Phoebe, don't jump the gun just yet.  I understand though, it is too easy for us to fear the worse case scenario.  Your boyfriend is right... stop scaring yourself.  nono   

However, if your doc said it was "extremely urgent" then I am wondering why you are having to wait a week for your appointment.  Wouldn't going to Urgent Care (or the ER) be a better plan for you?  Or at least seeing a different doc that can fit you in right away?

Hang in there and keep us posted.

Posted 10/4/2005 9:49 PM (GMT 0)
i hear that!  when my husband took me to the urgent care center the doctors there said to us that it could be a parasite to colon cancer and everything in between.  of course he got very nervous, in his head all he heard was that i had cancer... what helped us is that we talked about worst case scenarios and what we would do.  with all that talking, it came down to: we would both be okay.  and i have to tell you, that meant the world to me.

i am not saying that you should be all negative--heck no!  be positive, i even meditate healthy intestines as a part of my yoga regimine (my intestines are lavendar and lilac swirls, very pretty...) but what i am saying is that no matter what, you will be okay.  they will find the problem, and you will be better!!

your boyfriend sounds like he cares a whole lot about you... knowing that should ease your mind just a bit.

your in my thoughts!

--bunny

Oh--with the fainting, i had that too (anemia and blood coming out all the time!) be careful, i have a very physical job and wore myself out real quick--really listen to your body and take a time out when you need to.

take care of yourself!!

 

Posted 10/4/2005 9:55 PM (GMT 0)
I know its easier said than done but try not to let it worry you. I agree, the "C" word is a very scary thing but its definitely not the only thing that could be causing this. I drive my hubby crazy with all of my symptoms. In fact yesterday I called my hubby at least six times at work yesterday because my eyes were really red and irritated. "Don't worry" is a common phrase for him so I think that I look for that when I talk to him. I'm glad that you are comfortable sharing this with us and we will be thinking of you and sending positive vibes your way :)
Posted 10/4/2005 10:19 PM (GMT 0)
thanks guys i feel like I’m not alone when i can talk to you - it especially helps because you understand and have been through the confusing mist of not-knowing that is our digestive systems! like you said, I am looking forward to finding out what it is, scared but also looking forward to it, because I am so sick of these symptoms. I was tempted to go to an ER or something, especially last night (I get up 3-4 times every night to go to the toilet) and seeing blood in there every time makes me want to know right NOW what it is ... I'm anxious so I want to know right away. I feel worse for wear this morning, just so tired/no energy/ feel like I don’t want to move. Maybe if i feel worse I will go to an ER?

My boyfriend is a sweetheart, he always tells me he loves me and that he just 'wants his girl to get better', and that he loves me no matter what and that I have to swear ill tell him what’s going on all the time and that he's not grossed out etc... (even when I'm telling him about the blood and stuff) it's so comforting to have someone so supportive and understanding around all the time - especially when I cant remember the last time I was my 100% bubbly self! He's very patient!

Should I organise to have someone at my house after the colonoscopy? I was thinking of asking my sister to drive me/pick me up, but d'you think I'd be ok at home by myself or should i get someone to stay?

The one thing that’s on my side is age. they say 90-something percent of those 'C''s occur in people over 40 ... and I'm only 19. NO WAY am I looking up symptoms and stuff again!
Posted 10/4/2005 10:33 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, you should ask your sister (or anyone you trust) to go with you to the colonoscopy. Frankly, the docs won't release you unless you have someone with you. Ask her to stay the whole time, not just to drop you off and pick you up. Reason being that the doctor will go over a few things, like instructions for after the scope and your results of the scope, that you probably won't remember. I had my mom go with me so the doc just talked to her since I was totally out of it. It is great for moral support too. Be prepared for some discomfort afterwards... like gas and a little cramping. But it is definitely worth it to finally get some answers.
Phoebe, if you get worse today please go to the ER. Listen to your body. Doctors don't ALWAYS know what is best.
Posted 10/5/2005 12:23 AM (GMT 0)
Lil is right. They won't release you without a ride home. You will be coming out of sedation so it won't be safe to drive. And I agree to have her stay with you afterwards while you recover from the sedation. You will be weak and you will most likely sleep a lot afterwards (I got some of the best sleep in my life after my colonoscopies LOL) but doing things like getting up to go to the bathroom and things like that is much safer if you have someone be there to walk to to the bathroom or to get a glass of water of whatever since you will still be somewhat out of it. It sounds like you have a good sister. :)
Posted 10/5/2005 1:18 AM (GMT 0)
Dbab, after my scopes I didn't go to the bathroom (#1 or #2) until the next day; and by then I was sober. I'm not kidding. The last time I went was just before I left the house for the scope (about 11am) and the next time I went (#1) was 7am the next day. I didn't poo for 5 days. That prep really cleaned me out. LOL
Phoebe, that's another thing - don't worry if you're going to the bathroom (#2) right up until you leave for your appointment. I was scared to death I would have "stuff" come out when my doc inserted the scope. I told them about my fear (they laughed) and they said not to worry. Besides, even if it does happen, so what, you won't remember anyway.
Posted 10/5/2005 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
Oh man, I was in the bathroom right after my first snack, I guess my laxatives were still working lol. I was still downing water afterwards because I just felt so darned dehydrated so maybe that had something to do with it. Its interesting that we have so many different experiences.
Posted 10/5/2005 1:52 AM (GMT 0)

Phoebe, yes, there are a million and one things it could be, and the likelihood that it is cancer in someone your age is pretty low!  Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis) usually tops the list for bloody diarrhea in otherwise healthy Caucasian folks; if you've traveled abroad recently, it could be dysentery from a parasite or bacterial infection.  Either of these options is enormously more likely than colon/stomach cancer for a 19-year-old.  Anyway, the waiting is the worst part and everyone knows how that feels.  Have you checked out the Crohn's forum?  They, like the ever-supportive IBSers on this forum, have a lot of information to share and a lot of support to offer. 

I know how freaky it is to stand up and notice cupfuls of blood in the toilet.  If you start feeling really dizzy or weak and you're bleeding profusely, just go to the ER - better safe than sorry!

Posted 10/5/2005 11:30 PM (GMT 0)
Dear all:

I am usually in the Fibromyalgia forum but years ago I was dx with IBS and have never been on any medication for it but,,,,,

I went to the bathroom earlier today and it was also filled with blood this is the first time I have had it in about 4 months.  I had a colonoscopy back then and the surgeon said everything was fine and gave me no reason why there was blood.  Should I just quit worrying about it when it happens?  I do have hemmoroids externally could internally hemmoroids do that?  It is like the 19 year old said earlier it is like I was on my period and I know thats not possible since I have had my plumbling out 3 years ago confused . Just thought maybe this forum could help me.....

oh yeah about the colonscopy I never what to have one of those again..It was not the procedure but the prep and I took the pills. I was on the toliet for 2 days straight and thought I would starve!  I ate alot of lime jello (yuck) and sugar free popsicles.  I was fine about an hour after the procedure and did not need anyone with me.

thanks for the help!

Posted 10/6/2005 12:53 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Vickimac, welcome to the IBS forum! 
The thing with blood is that it is not a symptom of IBS.  Hemis, on the other hand, can cause blood.  It may not be anything serious but I would still give the doc a call.  It is better to be safe than sorry (sometimes people need surgery to correct hemis).
Thanks for popping in IBS - you are always welcome here.  :-)
Posted 10/6/2005 2:57 AM (GMT 0)
Hi again everyone,
Latest update is that yesterday I went to uni, it was a struggle because I was sooooo tired, totally exhausted all morning, but I got home and fell asleep on the couch for a couple of hours.

When my boyfriend got home he woke me up but I couldn’t wake up properly I was so weak and dizzy, and had this feeling like I wasn’t getting enough air, it was a strange feeling, I was breathing very fast trying to get enough air. Anyway we ended up going to the hospital because he didn’t want me to have to wait until Tuesday for something that might need attention right away. Gorgeous boy, he waited so patiently with me in the waiting room for almost two hours before the doctor saw me. She did an examination with a finger which was too painful (she was planning on insterting a small camera swell, I asked if she could sedate me but she said it would be ok, turns out it wasn’t because the examination she did was minor and it hurt too much for her to keep going), she said she could feel a lump inside, so she gave me hemmoroid cream stuff and some liquid fibre to take. But she said I still must have a colonoscopy because my diahorrea is not explained and that it might not even be a hemorrhoid, it could be an ulcer or something worse. The took lots of blood from me and then I went home.

I'm sort of back at square one but it was good to get looked at anyway because I have just been feeling so meh! They were going to test the blood for anaemia and the results will be at the doc’s in a couple of days. So yes … still sort of dreading the colonoscopy and prep, still have to see the specialist … just thought id tell you about my little adventure to the ER!
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