Wondering if this is something I should be worried about.

[jayjay22]

hey thanks in advance for reading this post. I’m not sure if this is allowed but I’m just a little bit worried that this is something that I should go see a specialist about. Or is this something that my general provider can help me figure out. I’ve been having some stomach pain today and I defecated and it has red-ish brown streaks in it. Also for the past month or so I’ve noticed that there is a sort of cloud that comes off of it when I flush and when it sits for more than 15 to 20 seconds.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Hi JayJay22, thanks for posting and sorry to hear you are having concerns about your bowel habits. It's hard to tell from a photo, and truly, everyone's bowel habits are different. When there is blood that is dark and in the stool itself, that can be from higher up in the colon, whereas bright colored blood on the surface of the stool or on the toilet paper, could indicate an issue in the rectum or anus (often hemorrhoids).

Have you ever had colon cancer screening performed? What is your age? What you are experiencing may not anything but if you are at the age where you should be screened (or have family history), it may be a good idea. As always, you know your body better than anyone else, so if something seems off, it is important to speak to a specialist and get it looked at.

Continue to keep track and add detailed information, for instance on a scale of 1-10, what is the pain you are experiencing in your stomach? Also track any unusual foods you may be eating or exercise/other activities that are out of the norm for you.

It could be a good idea to call your General Practioner and speak to them and see if they think you should come in. In my advice, I always like to err on the side of being cautious and seeing a doctor. Everyone has a different threshold for pain and it is better to be sure by getting a medical professional to check you out.

Please keep us posted and hang in there!