Blood in my stool

[mardy90]

I am having blood in my stool just seen it today but I had similar situation few months ago

[mardy90]

Constipation no,

[Swimmer111]

I had blood in my stools, off and on for 1 1/2 years. Just got diagnosed with stage 1 Colon cancer this week. I didn't go in earlier due to no insurance. Please go and get it checked out.

[Pipinha in reply to Swimmer111]

And what your syntoms?Color blood? Mucus? You made blood tests?

[Mommy_of_2 in reply to Swimmer111]

did you have blood in your stools

[Mommy_of_2 in reply to Mommy_of_2]

how much? was it noticeably blood? wS it on the toilet paper too

[Nicole_GCCA Partner in reply to Swimmer111]

Swimmer111 - I'm sorry to read this and we're here for you . If we can connect you with any local resources just send a private message and let me know what country you are in and I can let you know of some groups we recommend (there are also online groups for just about everyone, support groups based on your age, your country, your gender... even your biomarker status.). Has your health care team discussed biomarker testing with you? The advancements in the treatment of colorectal cancer in the past 10 years have been immense, and more effective and targeted treatments are becoming available. You may have heard the term 'personalized medicine' or 'targeted therapy', this often refers to a particular chemotherapy or another type of treatment or drug that is targeting a specific genetic mutation that could exist in your tumor, or, could be a hereditary mutation that you've had your whole life. The most common hereditary mutation that increases your risk of colorectal cancer, is called Lynch Syndrome.

At the time of diagnosis, we know that there is so much going through your mind. Many people who have been battling colorectal cancer for a long time say their two biggest pieces of advice: find a doctor that you believe is partnering with you and fighting for you to survive. Not every doctor will be a perfect fit, and that's okay to move on to another doctor. The other "I wish I knew then what I know now..." is about biomarker testing. It can not only help your health care team determine what treatments are more likely to be successful for you, but which ones to avoid.

We have more information on biomarkers on our #knowyourbiomarker microsite, which is knowyourbiomarker.org. We're also having several sessions on biomarkers, clinical trials, navigating survivorship, and more. The program has live interactive features and launches on April 27-28, but after those two days are over, the presentations will remain available on our website.

Thank you for sharing your story. In many cases, blood or abnormal bowel habits are not caused by colorectal cancer. But, they can be - and that's why it's so important to get screened. And even if not caused by colorectal cancer, rectal bleeding and other symptoms can be caused by other conditions that through medication, diet changes, etc. can be brought under control.

We believe that everyone should have access to screening and treatment, and I'm so sorry that lack of insurance was the barrier to your getting screened. By sharing your story you have the power to be that extra inspiration for people to stop putting off that appointment, or finally commit to contacting their doctor.

~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.

[digar in reply to Swimmer111]

Sorry to hear this. I’ve also had blood in my stool for nearly two years now despite a clear colonoscopy last July 31, 2020. I just don’t get how I could still be bleeding and how they didn’t see anything on the colonoscopy. I hope to have a follow up sigmoidoscopy soon.

[pump321]

Blood in stools are often associated with hemorroids but it's always best to get it checked out with your Doctor, best not to leave it. Maybe a sample can be sent away to be tested. I hope you are able to get this sorted out and it will put your mind at rest.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Hi mardy90 ,Thank you for posting in Colon Cancer Connected. I'm sorry to hear about the blood in your stool. It can be very upsetting to experience rectal bleeding, and this group understands the anxiety and fear that can come from these symptoms.

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, family history, other factors, etc. your doctor will determine if further tests need to be performed.

There are many causes 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. For that reason, we always advise patients to seek medical care when they have blood in the stool.

We've heard from individuals who have rectal bleeding, that if they get a physical exam from the doctor while not actively bleeding (within the last day or so), that sometimes the doctors have had a hard time identifying where the blood was coming from. We have heard that doctors tell patients "if you were bleeding today I would be able to see where it is coming from." If this is the case, I would recommend discussing with the doctor a plan for when you are actively bleeding - is it possible to have a note in your file and that they squeeze you in when you are next actively bleeding.

Depending on where you live and your insurance, you may start with a call to your primary care doctor. And with COVID, that may mean a video or phone call instead of an in-person office visit. There are stool tests that your doctor can order and bloodwork that your dr. can do, and that may determine if they refer you to a specialist. Your doctor may take a medical history including asking if any family members have had colorectal (bowel) cancer.

Before you speak to your doctor, be sure to have written down a list of all medications that you are currently taking, including over-the-counter medications and supplements. Often, patients with GI issues will also keep a food journal to track food and beverage intake, bowel movements, any pain or bleeding, etc. This could be useful information for your doctor. Additionally, it could show you a pattern (for instance, possibly being lactose intolerant, if you experience diarrhea after eating dairy).

It could "just" be hemorrhoids or an anal fissure, but rectal bleeding is something that you should speak to your doctor about. The only way to know what is going on is to be examined and potentially have further tests.

Many many people who post in our group are sure that they've got colon cancer, and thankfully, most of the time, when we do get a follow-up post, it has been determined (most often via colonoscopy) that they do not have colorectal cancer. We do believe that if something is "off" it is very important to get it checked out. Sometimes that means changing Doctors. If you do not feel that your Doctor is taking your health concerns seriously, they may not be a good fit to be overseeing your medical care.

Please, do reach out to a medical professional. And if you need any encouragement to make that call, we're here for you and many of our caring members of this forum will help give you the boost you need to make that call!

~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.