I'm having the same symptoms except I have alot of mucus before the BM and there is blood and minor or no pain associated with it most of the time. The mucus passes even when I pass gas. I've had this for about a month now but my doctor does not seems to know what is causing this. I am very worried. I also suffer from hemorroids and I thought that might have something to do with it. Please let me know what you find out after your doctor's visit.
With a family history of colon cancer, that would place you at increased risk.
Possible causes can include inflammatory bowel disease, chronic pancreatitis, irritable bowel disease, malabsorption, colitis or possibly cancer.
The most comprehensive test would be a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonocopy. This can evaluate for most of the aforementioned diseases. A referral to a GI physician can also be considered.
This option should be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com
I forgot to add that I am normal weight 130 (5'6"), eat well, don't smoke/drink etc.
Thanks for your response surgeon. My results are in and my liver enzymes, cbc, sed rate, and stool sample all were normal. My gi appt is not until nov.
Probably the best way to find out what's going on will be to see a gastroenterologist, who likely will recommend colonoscopy. Many things can cause mucus, including infection and inflammation; also on the list is a polyp, which is a non-cancerous tumor. They often produce mucus. Left alone long enough, depending on the type, they have some chance of devolping into cancer. At your age, it's highly unlikely that that would already have happened. It sounds like you are on the right track to solving the mystery.