Blood in stool, colonoscopy next week

[EmzC]

Hi,

I started getting blood in my stool when I was pregnant last year, assumed it was haemorrhoids as I knew they are common in pregnancy.

Fast forward to this year in March and it started again but a lot worse. Due to covid I got a phone appt with GP who prescribed suppositories and cream - didn't help.

The blood has gotten heavier and my bowel movements are very urgent and more frequent. I have pains on the left side of my abdomen. I feel bloated and sore alot. Had examination with the GP, she couldn't feel anything or see anything. She did bloods, I did two stool samples one of which was a FIT test.

FIT test came back high volume of blood recommendation of urgent colonoscopy. Not heard about the other sample. My GP said possible outcomes - colitis, crohns or cancer.

My colonoscopy is in 5 days time and I am stressed. I am so scared I've ignored this for so long and now if it's cancer it will be in the later stages. I guess I am just looking for anyone who can tell me if they have had the same symptoms and what the outcome was?

[Jazzy1990]

I understand what you’re going through, I’m pregnant and have been bleeding since February before I found out I was pregnant and now they won’t do anything till next year after baby’s born. Is your blood always visible? Could be colitis or proctitis, especially if you’re in your 20’s. Do let us know how your colonoscopy goes.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Hello EmzC ,

Thank you for posting and I'm sorry for what you are going through. Really am glad to hear you have a colonoscopy coming up.

I'm sure this is difficult not to think about "what if" in regards to getting a colonoscopy sooner, but since there's nothing you can do about it, I would suggest trying to focus on making this upcoming colonoscopy the best it can be. As a patient, you following the prep instructions can make a world of difference for your GI to be able to get a clean view of your colon.

No matter what the outcome of the colonoscopy is, be it a chronic condition or colorectal cancer, treatments and science are advancing rapidly and people are living longer, fulfilling lives, in spite of a diagnosis. We're here for you whatever the outcome to connect you to support services should you need any.

So with the mindset of asking you to try to focus all of your energy on your upcoming colonoscopy:

1. Once you get the prescription for the prep that you'll drink, follow your doctor's instructions exactly. You want to have the cleanest colon for the doctor to be able to see everything with no fecal matter obscuring the way. We like this tool that Kaiser Permanente put together (with drawings!) that shows food to avoid and foods to eat leading up to when you actually start drinking the prep: wa.kaiserpermanente.org/htm...

2. Get prepared to prep! Many people say the prep is the worst part of the colonoscopy procedure as a whole. Depending on what your doctor prescribes, it may be a lot of the same drink with the medication mixed in (such as Gatorade) vs. a smaller volume of prep that you drink, and then separately drink a certain amount of liquid of your choice (excluding something like a red Gatorade which could stain your colon for the test).

a. In addition to picking up your prescription, buy yourself some supplies:

*Toilet paper (necessary!)

*Wet wipes (never flush wipes even if they say flushable, the last thing you want is a clogged toilet when you are in the midst of prepping for a colonoscopy),

*Magazines

b. While you are going through prep, many treat themselves to buying a movie or series they've been wanting to see.

3. If during your prep you have any concerns or don't feel well (nauseous, etc.) call your doctor to let them know what is going on.

4. Most places will require you to have a family member or friend drive you home (you can not drive for the rest of the day), most places don't want you taking a taxi or Uber home alone. Bringing a family member or friend who can take notes on what the doctor tells you when you are in the recovery area will be key - you most likely won't remember what they say.

Good luck and please keep us posted.

~Nicole @ GCCA

[Dalph87]

Might be IBD (I'm thinking Ulcerative Colitis because of the blood, urgency and left sided pain) although not a cakewalk its still a much better diagnosis than C.

UC is extremely annoying but manageable with the right meds and in long term.

[Pipinha in reply to Dalph87]

Olá como você está?