Uncertain about diagnosis

Hi everyone,

I made a post on here a while ago regarding my symptoms. Basically, I have been experiencing blood in my stool (detected by a stool test) and had a colonoscopy in September to find a source of the bleeding. Nothing was found, no polyp, no ulcers, nothing. Obviously I was very happy I didn't have anything serious, but I still felt off. A blood test later showed low iron levels, and there were occasional times when I could see blood in my stool.

So, in the beginning of February I requested a new GI doctor. I got another stool test done which was negative, but I continued having low iron levels. Because of this, the doctor ordered another colonoscopy, as well as a Meckel diverticulum scan and abdominal ultrasound. Both the scan and ultrasound came back negative for abnormalities, and the colonoscopy two days ago showed a very tiny hemorrhoid that also happened to be bleeding while they were doing the procedure.

At first I was happy they finally found something, but I'm just a bit uncertain about this. The specialist who performed the colonoscopy said that the hemorrhoid was so tiny that he would not have been able to see it if it wasn't bleeding. He also mentioned that the prep could have caused some irritation.

The thing is, I'm really doubting that this tiny hemorrhoid is what's causing the bleeding and low iron. The blood is also usually mixed IN the stool, and I thought hemorrhoids cause bleeding ON the stool. I was also bleeding back in September and they didn't see hemorrhoids then.

I'm just wondering what you guys think. Should I just stick with the hemorrhoids diagnosis and leave it at that? Or should I push for more answers? This was my second colonoscopy so I'm a bit confused on how they didn't find a more serious cause (not that I wanted them to of course). But I have been experiencing blood, mucus, a feeling incomplete evacuation, gas, and increased bowel movements for months and the only thing they find is a tiny hemorrhoid. Obviously I'm happy, since these symptoms are all signs for something like cancer, but idk I just feel like something else is going on. Surely a hemorrhoid couldn't be causing the anemia right?

noodlesnoodles - the blood is occult - meaning I can't actually see it but I know it's there because of the positive stool test and low iron levels. I have only seen bright red blood about twice, but usually it happens if I strain too hard. I had both an upper endoscopy and colonoscopy back in September

soynomore - I try to eat as healthy as I can - lots of fruits and veggies, grains, and nuts. I would say I'm 80% vegan. But I also stress eat, and for the past few weeks I've been eating pretty badly - sweets, chips, white bread

Aside from my GI issues? I guess I'm okay. My stomach is pretty much the root of my problems currently. I also feel very stressed and I struggle with anxiety. The last few months I've also experienced panic attacks.

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