Blood in stools for many years

[Tindra89]

I was very stressed as a teenager and developed what I thought was IBS. I was never diagnosed by a doctor but I ended up in ER once in my 20’s because of severe stomach pain. They couldn’t find the cause and it eased off by itself. Since I was 18 I also started having mucus coming out when I pooped or sometimes farted. I asked a doctor if this could be linked to IBS and he said it could be. Nothing else was done. I’ve had episodes with pain for 15 years, and certain types of food can trigger it. I rarely have pain the last few years. I have had light red blood in my stools/ when I wipe for maybe 5-7 years. I never had it checked because I thought it was linked to straining a lot which I do. I have the last couple of years developed a rectal prolapse when pooping as well. I recently decided to go to the doctor with my problems. I had blood work done and stool sample. The stool sample came back positive so now I am booked in for a colonoscopy. My doctor says not to worry because it has been going for on for so long, but in my head I am now dying of stage 4 cancer and my anxiety has hit the roof. Im 32 years old and I’m so angry with myself I never had this checked when it started. I’m really scared and it’s all I can think about.

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Hi Tindra89,

Thank you for posting in Colon Cancer Connected. I'm sorry that these symptoms are causing you anxiety. I'm glad you are getting that colonoscopy with all you have going on. Getting down to the answers is your focus and that's great. There are so many things that could be causing this.

I would not start kicking yourself too early before you get your answers. Is it the best practice to determine things early? ... yes. But you can't change that and now you need to get to the bottom of what you have going on.

Interesting what you said about pain ... "certain types of food can trigger it." It doesn't sound like a cancer related thing. The pain isn't just from eating. It's from certain foods you eat.

I had symptoms of just eating a big meal of whatever that would cause me abdominal pain. Not certain foods. So I would eat only small meals. I also should have been getting that checked out long before I actually did.

I think you are doing an awesome job in finding out what's going on. The colonoscopy should go a long way in determining some answers. We wish you the best in finding out what's going on and getting on a path deal with them.

Colonoscopy prep tip ... gotta do it right ... move everything up an hour. That way you're not dealing with the main "reaction of the prep" right before you have to travel to Gastroenterologist's office. I often add lime Gatorade to the mix to get better flavor. Nothing red!!!!

Please let us know what you find out.

Thank You,

~Tom, GCCA Survivor - 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.

[Bulls23]

Try to Relax. You will be ok. The main thing is you are now scheduled for a colonoscopy to get down the problem. Keep all of your appointments. Could be anything. Inflammation can cause the same thing also. Breath easy and be blessed.

[pakb]

My daughter has Crohn's disease and your symptoms sound like they may be IBD related. Irritable Bowel Disease (usually crohns or ulcerative colitis). I'm sorry no one tested anything earlier for you- hoping they discover the cause and you have answers and some relief.