Blood in stool

[BobK0420]

I have experienced blood in my stool on and off, but this last weekend was alarming. I bled directly from my anus while using the bathroom. It was like an open wound, like bloody diarrhea. Even made me light headed. The next day it wasn't as bad, but still there. Few days later.... clear. Now I'm experiencing major lower back pain, with sciatica in the legs. Could these be related? In the past my doctor did bleeding was from hemorrhoids or fissures, but the amount of blood was extensive. Any thoughts?

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Hello BobK0420,

Thanks for sharing and I'm sorry to read about the pain and symptoms you are experiencing.

Are you under the care of a Gastroenterologist from your previous episodes of blood in the stool?

We recommend that you do contact your doctor (GI if you have one) to discuss this with them, and hopefully COVID-19 permitting, they will be able to see you in person with proper COVID precautions.

Your doctor will need to determine if the lower back pain and sciatica are related to your GI issues.

When you speak to the doctor, be sure to ask them about what to do when you experience that volume of bleeding and pain. One challenge when experiencing bleeding, is that if you aren't actively bleeding at the time of the dr. appointment, it can be hard for them to pinpoint the cause (if a colonoscopy has already ruled out colorectal cancer or other GI diseases).

There are many possible reasons for the symptoms you are experiencing, many of which are chronic conditions. However, the only way to know for sure what is going on, and to rule out colorectal cancer, is to get checked out by a medical professional, most likely a specialist.

Please keep in mind that if your pain becomes unbearable, you need to seek emergency medical care.

We're here for you and hope you'll post an update when you have one.

~Nicole @ GCCA