Re: blood in stool

Posted By HFHSM.D.-ym on February 28, 1999 at 00:11:28:

In Reply to: blood in stool posted by Bryan on February 26, 1999 at 14:25:38:






For the past two days the toilet water has been bright red after
bowel movement. Everything else seems normal, though I did notice
some blood in the stool. I have been taking ibuprofin (about 1600
mg per day) for back pain and 20mg prozac/day. I've never had any
similar problems.
Dear Bryan,
Bright red blood on the tissue paper after wiping and in the toilet bowel usually implies an anorectal source, most commonly from a hemorrhoid or a fissure. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can increase the chance of bleeding. On the other hand, if the bleeding persists, a flexible sigmoidoscopy to look at the lower colonic lining may be helpful to check for a more proximal source of bleeding. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is often performed by a gastroenterologist and is a short test where a tube with a light and video camera is introduced into the rectum and advanced up the left side of the colon. Sometimes tissue samples called biopsies are taken to rule out microscopic inflammation. I hope you find this information helpful.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you wish to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians' Office and make an appointment to see Dr. Muszkat, one of our experts in Gastroenterology.
HFHSM.D.-ym
*Keywords: rectal bleeding