Rectal Bleeding

[M.]

I'm a 31-year-old female with no known family history of colon cancer. I've been experiencing bright red rectal bleeding with bowel movements, but not consistently. I could go 1 or more months in between episodes. Sometimes it's just a little blood, and sometimes it's a substantial amount. Actually, I can remember having this happen when I was even a teenager, intermitently. With all the publicity being given to colon cancer, I'm really scared that I may have it. It seems every time I turn around there's another news story about this cancer. What are the risk factors for someone my age for colorectal cancer? Should I see my family doctor, or should I make an appointment right away for a colonoscopy?

[Christin]

I'am a nineteen year old who has experienced rectal bleeding on and off for about five months now.  I'am having a sigmoidoscopy in less than a week.  I experience bowel movements only about once every three days and it hurts so bad it feels like I'am being cut on the inside of my rectim everytime I have a bowel movement.  I know that it's probably hemroids or possible fissures, but I know that it's so stupid to go on any longer without going to the doctor, I have finally decided it's worth the embarassment to get rid of the awful pain, preperation H helps whenever I've used it but it's only temporary TRUST ME. You need to be checked out by the doctor, and if its a pollup they can remove it for you, and you'll feel lots better. I'll tell how things went for my sigmoidoscopy next week, until then make your appointments now!

[Javier]

As I promised, this is the follow-up posting from my Monday, October 02, 2000 posting.  Well, I went through with my colonoscopy procedure and I have to say that there was hardly any pain involved in this procedure.
   Heres the play by play;
The day before the exam you are allowed to eat breakfast and followed by a light lunch.  After lunch you can only have liquids. Later on in the evening you have two hours to drink a gallon of Colyte commonly known as Polyethylene/Glycol which is a electrolyte solution.  Its basically a laxative and its not the greatest tasting; But, they have a choice of flavor mix (pineapple, cherry, lemon, and grape berry) MY choice was pineapple.  Why? I wanted to feel tropical.
    The day of the appointment I was not allowed to eat or drink anything after 8:00am; My appointment was not until 3:00pm.
Yes, bowels were clean and I was hungry.
  Anyways, the first thing I had to do was disrobe and put on the usual hospital gown.  As I layed in bed the nurse asked me a few admission question and inserted an (I.V.). This was probably the most pain that I had to endure from the whole procedure.  The doctor came into the room asked me a few more question.  He gave me 5mg of (versed)used to produce sedation before(preoperatively) and amnesia after(postoperatively)and 15mg of Demerol to manage moderate to severe pain.  Both were given through my I.V. port I felt the medication going up my arm and thats all I remember.
  The next thing I remember was the nurse waking me up asking me if I was ready to go home.  
    If you are undecided on having this procedure done and are trying to find an excuse not to have it done.  You won't find one here.  So, thats it in a nut shell.  Good luck and May God give you good health.    
  
    

    

    

[Javier]

As I promised, this is the follow-up posting from my Monday, October 02, 2000 posting.  Well, I went through with my colonoscopy procedure and I have to say that there was hardly any pain involved in this procedure.
   Heres the play by play;
The day before the exam you are allowed to eat breakfast and followed by a light lunch.  After lunch you can only have liquids. Later on in the evening you have two hours to drink a gallon of Colyte commonly known as Polyethylene/Glycol which is a electrolyte solution.  Its basically a laxative and its not the greatest tasting; But, they have a choice of flavor mix (pineapple, cherry, lemon, and grape berry) MY choice was pineapple.  Why? I wanted to feel tropical.
    The day of the appointment I was not allowed to eat or drink anything after 8:00am; My appointment was not until 3:00pm.
Yes, bowels were clean and I was hungry.
  Anyways, the first thing I had to do was disrobe and put on the usual hospital gown.  As I layed in bed the nurse asked me a few admission question and inserted an (I.V.). This was probably the most pain that I had to endure from the whole procedure.  The doctor came into the room asked me a few more question.  He gave me 5mg of (versed)used to produce sedation before(preoperatively) and amnesia after(postoperatively)and 15mg of Demerol to manage moderate to severe pain.  Both were given through my I.V. port I felt the medication going up my arm and thats all I remember.
  The next thing I remember was the nurse waking me up asking me if I was ready to go home.  
    If you are undecided on having this procedure done and are trying to find an excuse not to have it done.  You won't find one here.  So, thats it in a nut shell.  Good luck and May God give you good health.    
  
    

    

    

[ellie]

Last week-end I noticed a fair amount of blood in the toilet bowl after a very small bowel movement. It really scared me! I don't have insurance, so I called my mother who said it could be a ruptured hemmoroid. Indeed, I have had a history of hemmoroids, and was in a time of high stress. I decided to just monitor the situation and take it easy. There was no pain or cramping, and so far,no recurrence. It is just a huge relief to hear all these other testimonials, and to know it is actually a somewhat common
occurence.

[Javier]

I'm 43 year old male; I have no known family history of colon cancer.  I was recently diagnosed with diverticulitis and admitted to the hospital for approximately 3 days. Then I had a follow up appointment with my primary physician.  Every thing seem to be going good; My bowels were good coloration and form; I have made a 90 degree change in my diet; Changed it to a high fiber diet and drinking approximately 5 liters of water a day.  I'am also starting an exercise program.
    But, just a couple of days ago I have found bright red blood in my stool.  Every time I have a bowel movement I'am finding bright red blood in my stool to the point I'am afraid to have one. Anyways, I guess at my age and the symptoms that I'am having; I have already scheduled an appointment for a colonoscopy. So, for those of you wondering what this procedures is like I will post a followup comment some time in mid October after I have the procedure  done.  Take-Care and God Bless.    

[Gary]

I've had the same problem with bleeding. It took me several years before I went to the Dr.I've had barium enamas colonoscopy the only thing it hurts is your pride. I'm glad I went for the tests every thing checked out exept for hemroids. So my advise is to swallow your pride and go for the test youll feel better in the end because you will know the results and you wont be sick worrying about the worst.