Mucus

I do have some bloating at the top of the stomach, in the middle and have had "gas" problems as well, but only since my doctor thought it was IBS and has sent me for a Sigmoidoscopy(a weeks time). I have put those symptoms down to nerves as I am really worried. Apart from the mucus I didn't have any other symptoms until I saw my doctor and was to all intents and purposes, very healthy.

I have been under a lot of stress, although I didn't feel I was. In the last few months I have moved to another part of the country and buried the last member of my family.

If anyone can answer my query on the colour of the mucus, I would be very grateful.

I personally don't have mucus, but I know many people on this board do.  If I am not mistaken the mucus is usually almost clear.  I think it is anywhere from a light brown (tan) to clear.  I'm sure others who experience this will post an answer for you.

I am so sorry to hear about your loss.  Sometimes emotional stress can wreak havoc on our bodies.  Are you having any urgency and/or diarrhea with the mucus?  Any pain or cramping?  These are all classic IBS symptoms (gas too, which you already mentioned).

So you are having a sigmoidoscopy in about a week?  Has your doc said why... does he suspect anything other than IBS?  The procedure is common for ruling out IBS, but I just want to know if he may have thrown out any other ideas to you (like Crohn's, Celiac, UC, etc.).

Again, welcome to the board!

Hi and thanks for replying. My doctor was very good I felt, listened to me, thoroughly exmained my stomach and did a rectal examination. He said he could find absolutely nothing wrong with the examinations he was able to do, but said that he couldn't tell if there was anything further up, a polyp etc.He said he felt that it was irritation or inflamation on what I had told him, but the only way to find out was by having a sigmoidoscopy, but it was entirely up to me. I need to know and agreed.

My mucus seems to be clear when I wipe myself but the 1 or 2 blobs/stringy bits on the stool are tan, not patchy and are see through. I described it to the doctor like tea without milk. see through. At first I thought it was blood which panicked me, but closer investigation revealed as I have described. Sorry to be so descriptive, but its the only way. My bowel movements have been normal and not changed except for this mucus. I have had mor bloated feeling rather than pain and crampy feelings, but this is only since I saw the doctor.

Thank you for you condolences. The only reason I didn't think of it as being stressful was because she was 88, but I guess when it is your last family it must have some kind of reaction.