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?

[DENISE]

I experienced the same problem right after the birth of my daughter. It was a non healing rectal fissure. My required surgery to help fix, although it did not take care of it completely. If you are having bright red blood it is most likely bleeding hemmrhoids or a fissure. You should certainly see your doctor right away. If you can do it, I would just go see a GI doctor because they are experienced in this and it would save you at least one trip to the docs. Good luck

[sue]

PLEASE EVERYONE, IF YOU ARE STILL OUT THERE DEALING WITH THIS MEDICAL PROBLEM, I AM SCREAMING AT YOU TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR!  IF YOU HAVING HONEST TO GOD SYMPTOMS YOU -MUST- GO TO A DOCTOR, YOU ARE -NOT- GOING TO GET YOUR ANSWERS HERE.  YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF, INSURANCE OR NO INSURANCE, TO GET YOUR MEDICAL QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS.  GO TO YOUR DOCTOR!

[Robert Koenn]

I have had two colonoscopies over the last 4 years and had no problems at all.  Like others have commented, the worst part is the day before.  Drinking a gallon of cleanser is miserable, mainly because it tastes so bad and then you get to sit on the pot about every 20 minutes.  However, the not eating part really doesn't bother me and I actually feel quite good after the drinking part is over.  Each time they gave me some type of intraveneous sedative and I was totally knocked out during the procedure.  Didn't know or feel anything and when I came to, I felt great.  No after affects, I could actually drive with no problem although they wouldn't let me.  I can hardly recommend it enough if you have any concerns.  Like others said, when they tell you they found nothing significant you breathe a whole lot easier.  I just saw blood in my stool this week, very minor and no follow through later, and am wondering if I should have another inspection.  I had one a little over a year ago so I suspect I may have hemarroids or possibly a little bout of diverticulitis.  Anyway, I will see my doctor and see what he recommends.  Ease of mind and getting it early if it is something is better than continuing to have problems and not knowing why.

[MKE]

I HAVE BEEN GOING THREW THIS FOR FOUR YEARS. I PAST THE BLOOD THE WORKS. I BEEN TO THE HOSPITAL AND THEY SAID NO CANCER' I HAVE CHANGE MY DIET, THE BLEEDING GOE'S AWAY BUT IT ALWAYS COME BACK
SO IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT YOU GO THREW WHEN YOU HAVE THE SCOPE TEST DONE. WRITE ME AT ***@****.
OR CAN ANYONE TELL ME HOW TO STOP THE BLEEDING AND THE STOMACH PAIN

[to mke]

I had the scope twice in a 6 week period,the worst part is what you have to drink,to clean your bowel,it taste awful,and I had to drink a gallon of it,but this is very important,the cleaner the bowel is the better,the doctor can see your colon.The test itself you will be put in a dream sleep and will not remember anything,I had no pain,during or after the  test,if you have not had your colon checked, I sure would go through with it,maybe they can fine out where the bleeding is coming from. good luck











  

[Em]

THIS IS FOR SHELLY WHO POSTED IN MARCH.

Hopefully you're still around!

You mentioned your son had been taken off his medication for bipolar disorder due to rectal bleeding. What medication was that?