What could this be

[Sharamina]

I started experiencing blood and mucus in my stool around April. The blood only about 3 times after constipation on the stool. The blood has stopped for about 1 month but the mucus is a lot more. Apologies about the pic. Has anyone experienced this. I have seen the doctor and referred to the colon surgeon. Appointment is still all the way in February next year.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Hi Sharamina ,

First, I'm sorry you are experiencing this and for the anxiety it is causing.

When you saw the doctor, was that a primary care doctor, or a Gastroenterologist?

Did the doctor you saw, perform any tests?

What did the doctor tell you that the colorectal surgeon will be performing on you in February?

Lastly, have you ever been diagnosed with colorectal (bowel) cancer, or any type of digestive disease?

Sorry for all the questions, just need a little more information.

Thanks,

~Nicole @ GCCA

[Sharamina in reply to Nicole_GCCA]

Hello, I saw the my GP. She did a digital rectal exam and said she couldn’t feel anything besides hard stool. She also examined my abdomen, She said she wasn’t worried. She referred me to the surgeon because I said I was having constipation more than usual, she told me that since the constipation responds positively to change in diet she’s not too concerned but would refer me anyway. I have since altered my diet stopped having constipation and blood but the mucus has increased. The first thing I noticed w

[Nicole_GCCA Partner in reply to Sharamina]

Hi Sharamina , thanks for the update. That's great that the diet has stopped the constipation and blood. What did the GP say about the mucus?

The blood could have been related to the constipation, but important to keep an eye out for that.

I would think that the GP would refer you to a gastroenterologist vs. a colorectal surgeon - but who knows in these days of COVID, maybe there's a reason why.

Please keep track of your symptoms so that when you are able to see the doctor in February, you'll be able to share any patterns you've noticed with certain foods or medications and how they impact your stools.

If you experience pain or bleeding, please contact your GP again.

Please keep us posted, we'll be thinking of you.

~Nicole @ GCCA

[Tilley444 in reply to Nicole_GCCA]

I’ve had mucus and blood in my stool and when I wipe it’s just mucus no poo just clean kind off I don’t poo that often and sometimes it’s hard and I have to strain but I poo normally and then it goes to a paste and my poo is like popcorn chicken looking very small

[Cindylynn1]

This started happening to me last November. Mucus and blood in stool. Sulfur smelling poop. I’ve had stomach pain my entire life and was told I had IBS w/constipation in my 20’s, but never had a colonoscopy. (I’m 50 now) I started feeling worse and was having more frequent softer poops in order to make myself feel relief, but the pain would come back the next day worse. Left work august 24th and decided to call my primary for an appointment. He called back to go over my symptoms, then advised me to go to the ER. I was taken down for a CT Scan , them immediately admitted. Colonoscopy the next day revealed 2 obstructions and a very large tumor. Scheduled for emergency surgery for the next morning. I had gotten so used to living in pain and had been diagnosed with IBS years before, so I let it slide, and I almost died as a result. PLEASE get screened! If you feel that something isn’t right, don’t wait. I’m very lucky ..Every doctor that looks at my report cannot believe that I’m alive. Stage 2 and surrounding tissue affected, and 12 inches of colon removed. No affected lymph nodes (they tested 24 instead of the usual 12) I’m not finished yet, discussing light chemo later today, but I’m alive! Do not wait, if you know something is off.

[Romantic34 in reply to Cindylynn1]

Hello, thanks Cindy, I pray you have total recovery.

[Cindylynn1 in reply to Romantic34]

Thank you so much. 🙏🏻

[Sharamina in reply to Cindylynn1]

Thanks for your response Cindylynn, sorry for what you are going through. I have seen the GP. She has said she isn’t concerned and only referred me to the specialist because I insisted. The appointment is all the way in February.

[Cindylynn1 in reply to Sharamina]

Thank you so much. My advice to you is to stay vigilant! We know our bodies and know when something isn’t right. I’ve been to multiple doctors with my stomach issues and never got true help, I’m very lucky that I made that appointment when I did, I wouldn’t have been alive for much longer. 🙏🏻

[Nicole_GCCA Partner in reply to Cindylynn1]

Dear Cindylynn1 ,

Thank you for sharing your story and I'm so sorry to hear all you've been through. We appreciate you sharing your experience and especially the part about "If you feel that something isn't right... don't wait."

How has your recovery from surgery been? Did you have to wait to have surgery because of COVID?

Do you know if they did biomarker testing on your tumor to help determine which treatment would be most effective? Based on biomarker testing results, there are certain drugs that are more (or less) likely to work. We have more information on our website knowyourbiomarker.org if you are interested.

Please keep us posted on your progress. We are here for you!

~Nicole @ GCCA

[Cindylynn1 in reply to Nicole_GCCA]

Recovery has been overall ok. It really takes time to heal. No problems with any of my appointments or initial surgery or other necessary treatments or tests ..I was an emergency case I’m guessing? I haven’t started chemo, we’ll be discussing that today I believe? I’m also having genetic testing done because of past and current family history. Still in the early stages of everything and I’m learning what everything means right now. This came out of nowhere and everything happened so fast. I have been blessed with a wonderful team of doctors who are very aggressive. My head is kind of still spinning from it all.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner in reply to Cindylynn1]

Thanks Cindylynn1 for the update. We're thinking of you - please keep us posted.