Menstruation or Blood In Stool?

[alohamora]

I'm 19 and pretty healthy. Yesterday I woke up and got my period. When I had my BM in the afternoon, I was shocked to see a little tiny tiny (only visible if you look really closely) streak of red on the surface of the tip of the stool which I'm not even sure if it's blood but it looked like it was painted on the stool. It's really small like less than 1cm. Everything else was pretty much chocolate brown. Being the hypochondriac that I am, I can't get it off my mind. Any idea what this is? Maybe just my period? I'm really scared of colon cancer..

[Hidden]

If you that know there is blood in your stool you should immediately go to your doctor and express your concerns

[alohamora in reply to Hidden]

But the thing is I don't know if it's blood at all.

[Hidden in reply to alohamora]

It doesn't matter you are worried - it's what the doctor will think - he/she will want a sample for testing and then will be able to tell you what the problem is or reassure you that there's nothing wrong

[alohamora in reply to Hidden]

Yes I am planning to go to the doctors. It's just that now, I don't have a health plan (being in a third world country) and is waiting for my health insurance to be approved. For now, I really can't sleep thinking about it...

[val_s]

Hi, a small amount red blood on the surface would indicate fresh blood from near to the anus - perhaps from piles or an anal fissure. An anal fissure is usually just a small split just inside the rectum caused by straining to pass large/dryish stools.

You should see a doctor - and /do/ explain all your worries - to reassure yourself that there is nothing more sinister going on, and also to get advice if you regularly find yourself constipated or having to strain to pass stools.

Meanwhile, drink plenty of water - first thing in the morning & throughout the day.

And remember, most symptoms, even of cancer, are not in fact cancer but something else entirely more mundane.

[alohamora in reply to val_s]

Thanks so much. It's just that it's like I'm LOOKING for the signs of C. I have trouble sleeping because of this. Thanks I'm planning to get myself checked soon.

[alohamora in reply to alohamora]

Also, a month ago, I underwent blood tests twice for my school annual check-up and another to test for UTI and everything came back normal. Would Colon C show up in blood tests?

[alohamora in reply to alohamora]

*Plus about a year ago I had a full abdominal ultrasound which showed nothing.

[val_s in reply to alohamora]

Think about what else might be going on in your life right now. Perhaps you are feeling insecure being away from family, a new place, demanding coursework - & without the usual safety net of health services, any anxiety you are feeling generally may all be manifesting around that vulnerability to the exclusion of all else - a single fixed idea to worry about.

Try some relaxation exercises, some physical exercise, find someone to confide in, to get a more realistic perspective on where you are at.

And have a chat with the doctor when your medical cover comes through.

[AntoB]

No they can only check for this in a colonoscopy .

[Pennylewis]

Try not to worry.If it was blood (sounds like you are not sure) then It really most likely is blood from your period or piles as its on the tip or surface of the faeces. Inside the poop with streaks would be more worrying. Even then it could be many other things. Age 19 bowel cancer is pretty unlikely too. Please do go to the doctors though, you obviously need lots of reassurance. Good luck.