blood in stool-graphic picture

[Mauryah]

I am really scared. I have had Ibs for along time. Not sure if have internal hemmorhoids. Over the years have has periodic constipation which resulted in straining and a little blood but nothing in last 3-4 years like that or consistent. Decided to increase fiber in diet. Ate oat and honey cheerios, peanut butter sandwiches on whole white wheat, spicy chicken alfredo with bread, pretzel chips, and two bags of popcorn (over 2 day) plus took 5 metamucil fiber gummies each day. I was having more bowel movements last two days. Yesterday morning stool looks like has red blood on outside-not on every piece-no blood when wiped and bowel movements after this were normal without any red. Did the diet cause this? Does it look like blood-could it be from an internal hemorrhoid? Or is color indicating from higher up in colon? I feel a tiny irritated around anus, very occasional itch. No weight loss, no pain, no feeling like cant empty bowels, bloodwork from August all normal, no undue fatigue. 51 years old and am already scheduled for my first colonoscopy for next month.

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Hi Mauryah,

Thank you for posting on Colon Cancer Connected. I hate you're having to deal with this, but I know you're going to get your answers next month with that colonoscopy. Absolutely the best thing to be doing.

The symptoms you are showing could have something to do with your diet. If that was a sudden change from your regular diet or the Metamucil fiber gummies are causing you issues? I have started the Metamucil gummies as well last week and it looks like you have to load them to get used to them. You do one dummy three times a day and see if that has any side effects for you. Then you move to two gummies three times a day and so on. It looks like these fiber supplements do treat people differently.

If what you are seeing is coming from inside the colon, I don't think we can discern whether it's upper or lower part without a colonoscopy. It's good that you're not experiencing weight loss and pain and not having fatigue. The best thing you can do is exactly what you are doing in getting the colonoscopy scheduled. Another thing to think about is if there is a family history of certain diseases. You said that you have had IBS for a long time. Any information like that will be good to tell your doctor. Also, if you have any other symptoms that may come up between now and the colonoscopy.

We do wish you the very best in getting answers to what's going on. I think you're way ahead of the game with already scheduling that colonoscopy. I'm glad to see you're going to get that because that will definitely get you some good answers. If this is your first colonoscopy, make sure you do the prep work as best you can. Gotta be nice and cleaned out.

When you find out what's causing these symptoms, it would be great if you could share them on this site. It is that type of information that can be beneficial to others. If you want some colonoscopy prep tips let me know. I've had many colonoscopies and I get one annually as a part of my surveillance program.

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.

[Mauryah in reply to GCCA-Survivor]

had my colonoscopy. No polyps or tumors. Prominent ic vavle that was inflsmed so bioposed that but when asked how worrird i should be about that he said hes not worried but bc inflamed bioposd to be thorough but lots of causes outside any cancer. So just a tad worried ab that until get final results. Have internal hemorrhoids. But no other concerns. Not alot found about inflamed ic valve but fingers crossed its nothing serious.

[GBP4L]

looks like internal hemorrhoids. Looks like spicy foods may not be good for your IBS. I would take supplement. Metamucil soluble fiber worked for me. Try that and report back with an update. Hope it helps.

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator in reply to GBP4L]

Good idea. I just started Metamucil as well. I'm into my 3rd week. Have to dose it up when you first start. So far, nothing changed with me. I take 2 gummies 3x a day.👍😁