Rectal Bleeding

[M.]

I'm a 31-year-old female with no known family history of colon cancer. I've been experiencing bright red rectal bleeding with bowel movements, but not consistently. I could go 1 or more months in between episodes. Sometimes it's just a little blood, and sometimes it's a substantial amount. Actually, I can remember having this happen when I was even a teenager, intermitently. With all the publicity being given to colon cancer, I'm really scared that I may have it. It seems every time I turn around there's another news story about this cancer. What are the risk factors for someone my age for colorectal cancer? Should I see my family doctor, or should I make an appointment right away for a colonoscopy?

[Greg C]

I am not a doctor, so can't answer your questions too well.  I haven't had a colonoscopy so don't know the details.  What I hear is it is not painful and you are sedated.

For crying out loud people, bleeding means that there is something not right.  Why are you folks so afraid to go to a doctor?  Your chances of cancer are very small, but not 0.  There are other less serious disorders which can cause bleeding.  Nevertheless, are you willing to risk your life because you are uneasy about seeing a doctor?  Go get it checked out.

[colleen to craig]

could you look at the Blasto question please I need help   thanks

[shelley]

I have had 5 colonoscopies over a number of years so I guess I'll jump in here and see if I can help.  First of all you need to be sure what test you're having.  A sigmoidoscopy is usually done in the doctor's (Gastroenterologist) office.  You are fully awake and feel some discomfort as scope twists and turns it's way through.  Kind of like gas cramping pains.  The Colonoscopy you are generally put right out for.  You can even request it be done using a general anesthetic.  I had a habit of coming awake mid way through the procedure which was indeed painful.  I recently voiced that concern to my new Gastro doc who asked if I'd like a general anesthetic.  It was wonderful..never woke..never felt anything.  With colonoscopies the worst part is definintely the prep before hand.  You have to drink some awfully nasty tasting stuff.  It's really quite bad but you do what you have to do.

My concern with the bleeding so many of you are experiencing is that bleeding certainly indicates a problem.  First thought of course would be hemroids.  I've been a colitis patient for 15 years and have never tested positive for blood in my stool.  My son had severe rectal bleeding a couple years ago that scared us to death.  Tests were given and no answers.  Finally we got smart and took him off one of the meds he's on for his bipolar disorder because we had read that in rare instances it could cause rectal bleeding.  Low and behold it was the culprit.  We've replaced that medication with another more friendly one.  So, check your meds.  It could be as simple as that.  Hope I've helped.

[kim]

do you have freckles on your lips?  if so, go right away and get tested for peutz-jeghers syndrome.  my whole family has it.

[leo]

I had a sigflex a few years ago...they do not put you out...if
done properly there is no pain until they reach the bowel. Then
there is a few seconds of severe gas like cramps but they go
away as soon as they leave the bowel....

I have had a full colonoscopy...two times...both times they found
small pollops (non-cancer after biopsy).  I cannot tell you if
the proceedure hurt or not.  The seditive they give you will not
put you out because they have to get you to turn sometimes to
avoid puncture of the colon; however, I rememember nothing after
the proceedure.  The doctor even told my wife that she would
have to repeat his findings since I would not remember anything
about it and for about 1/2 hour after.  You must have some one
to drive you home or they will not perform the proceedure.
Good Luck and follow-up on the advice on checking your meds...

[Christine]

Hi all-- Leo is right, they don't put you out completely but you will not remember any of it depending on which medication they give. Sometimes they give Demerol and Valium but with Valium you may remember things. You can ask for Versed instead of Valium, this is the medication that causes the "amnesia". Don't be afraid to get this procedure, not knowing what's wrong and worrying is much worse. It's good to be cautious, but with all the warnings about colon cancer in the news people are worrying themselves TOO much. Just go see your doctor- you'll be glad you did.