anxiety about blood in poop

[healthanxiety3333]

Hi I’m new here, asking/looking for some answers to help my mental health because it’s been a week since im seeing that small amount of blood in my poo and I don’t know what could it be (it started before my perio comes), and my poo is looking like that for about 6 months no other symptoms except for some growling sounds at night(on and off). And scared that it will worst in the near future.. it’s draining me like hell

Ps: that blood other than in my poo is my period

Ps: im already seeing a gastro and will schedule for colonoscopy because of sudden change of my BM

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Hi healthanxiety3333,

Thank you for posting on Colon Cancer Connected. The first thing you should know is that what you're experiencing could be caused by many different things. The best thing to do is to get some answers. You are doing exactly that. Yes, the anxiety is driven by what you don't know and what it could be, but you are doing everything that you need to be doing to find out. Blood is a symptom and you absolutely need to know the cause. I'm so glad that you are already seeing a gastro for this and you are scheduling a colonoscopy. The colonoscopy is the best way to determine what's going on.

Another good thing to know is if there is a family history for certain health issues. If there is something hereditary going on, your gastro should know this because that will help with his treatment plan. And make a note of anything else you are experiencing with this.

I think you should focus on the good things you're doing here. You're experiencing a symptom and you need to know what's causing it. The colonoscopy is absolutely the best way to determine what's going on. You're going to get some good answers from it. I personally have a hereditary aspect with colon cancer. I get an annual colonoscopy, an annual CT scan, and annual blood work. All this just to make sure if something does return we will catch it early.

We do wish you the very best in finding these answers. And please let us know what you discover from the colonoscopy. It is that type of information that can be helpful to others on this site.

I hope you focus on the things you're doing right here. That should help your anxiety a little bit. I think you are all over this!!👍❤️

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.

[healthanxiety3333 in reply to GCCA-Survivor]

thank you it helps me a lot to ease my anxiety right know.

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator in reply to healthanxiety3333]

You got this❤️. You'll get great information from your colonoscopy. That will put you on the path to being well again. I have some colonoscopy tips that can make the dreadful 'prep' that has to happen a little more manageable and definitely easier on you😁.

For me, I always focus on my annual surveillance procedures as an opportunity to prove I'm still beating cancer and the test results are proof of that. I actually look forward to the colonoscopy and that deep restful nap you get to take.

[younginmind]

My experience all started with the 'poo test' for people of a 'certain age' - had no symptoms but the result came back to take it again, I was then referred to St George's, Tooting, had CT, then colonoscopy, with sedation. A few polyps were snipped off but cancer was found and I was given an appointment for a right hemi-colectomy in 2014, all went well, the cancer was removed and I had no treatment, apart from looking forward to going away after the op but was told I couldn't fly as I had to inject myself with heparin for a few days following, a sensible precaution but one I didn't know about. The following years I have had a few colonoscopies, now have one every 3 years just to keep a check. I personally think the worst part is the 'diet' for a couple of days prior to the colonoscopy as you have to drink medication which clears out your system, so if you enjoy your food, you can't, but it is only for a couple of days - the procedure is fine, if you feel a bit uncomfortable they will give you sedation, you just feel sleepy but can watch the camera on the screen if you wish. A sandwich and cup of tea after! So good luck, nothing to fear. I feel blessed, very lucky, as I would never have known if I hadn't taken the 1st test.