Dark red blood when pooping

[NebbyNora]

Hi, just going to jump straight in. Over the last few month when pooping every other day or so the toilet bowl water is dark red cant see the colour of my stool however when I do not pass blood it is fairly dark and very loose rarely a healthy stool. The toilet paper is always saturated in blood for quite a few wipes and sometimes continues bleeding for some time, I've never noticed any clots of blood until tonight and there was a few, my back has been aching (used to this) however after passing my stool have a very uncomfortable pain in my left side of my stomach right where my back pain is. I am ringing the Dr surgery tomorrow morning when looking online it told me to call 111 but have 2 kids kn the house and dont want to scare them anyone have anything similar and what was your outcome feeling very nervous. Thanks

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Hello NebbyNora ,

Thank you for posting in Colon Cancer Connected. I'm sorry to hear about the blood in the stool and we understand how much anxiety this can cause.

This site does not offer medical advice, but we are here to share our experience and offer our advice. It should not replace speaking to your doctor. We always recommend that one speak to a medical professional if they are having blood in their stool.

There are many reasons for blood in the stool, some are very treatable with medication, diet change, and minor procedures, and of course, there are more serious reasons for blood in the stool as well.

When you experience blood in the stool, the doctor will often perform a DRE (digital rectal exam) where they will both look and feel with their gloved fingers, to see if an any anal fissure (tears in the anus), hemorrhoids, or something else that could be causing the bleeding. Depending on the DRE results, any symptoms you are experiencing, and age, your doctor will determine if further tests need to be performed.

It is hard to know exactly how much blood you are experiencing, but if you are concerned that you are losing a lot of blood, you may want to consider seeking immediate medical care.

You mentioned that you would be calling the doctor. Did you speak to your doctor? They are going to be the best person to advise on if you should make a regular doctor appointment visit with them vs. needing immediate medical care.

Please keep us posted and we hope that you get some answers soon.

As hard as it is, try to not let the anxiety get to you too much. (I know that it is a lot easier said than done!). Our GI systems are very sensitive to stress and anxiety and can make symptoms worse.

~Nicole, GCCA Staff Member & Colon Cancer Connected Site Administrator.

Just a reminder - this group is here to offer support, share experiences, and offer our thoughts - but this is not medical advice, and you should always consult your medical professional(s). Additionally, for all emergencies, seek urgent medical care, never delay.

[Pipinha]

Hello how are you?