Red Blood in Stool

I am 27 years old, female, and have had red blood in my stool three times in the last two weeks.  Each time, the amount of blood was enough to coat the toilet tissue and coat/streak the surface of part of the stool.  I have had no other symptoms whatsoever.  I do have a family history of both colon cancer (great grandmother, diagnosed in her 80's) and diverticulitis (grandmother, diagnosed in her 50's).  I know this bleeding can have a variety of causes, and I do not expect you to diagnose me over the internet, but I would like for you to tell me how urgent a situation this is.  I do not have a primary care physician right now, and though I just found someone who will accept me as a new patient, it may be several weeks before I can get in to see her.  Should I wait that long, or should I try to go to a walk-in clinic sooner?  I have been dissatisfied with the local walk-in clinic before, and if this is something potentially serious, I would rather go elsewhere.  Thanks.  

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Blood in the stool can be due to hemorrhoids, but with the family history of colon cancer, that needs to be excluded first.

A colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy can be considered, and I agree that you need a referral to a GI physician.  I'm not sure if walk-in clinics in your area can refer to a GI physician, but if they can, you should consider that option.

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 Pho, M.D.

KevinMD.com
Twitter.com/kevinmd

[Citizen T]

A walk in clinic would be totally useless...  Your best bet is to ask for your new doctors nurse and explain what's going on and see if they can work you in early.  If you explain yourself directly to the nurse,   you should get results...if you don't, you should re think where you are going.

[Citizen T]

By the way,  no one,  no where can tell you what is causing your bleeding unless you have a colonoscopy.  There is no point in speculating.

[aar1151]

That happened to me 30 years ago and I got an appt. with a gastroenterologist.  A colonoscopy proved I have ulcerative colitus.  Early detection can save you many months of misery and can put you in remission for a long time.  The stress and fear of cancer is the worst thing for you.  Get checked ASAP. Good Luck!  aar1151

[shealynn]

For the last 3 weeks I have had blood and what I think is mucus in my stool.  THe blood is bright red.  The mucus seems to have changed to more of a pus look, almost yellow now.  I have no pain at all...  Any advice?

[bgb1976]

I too have been having red I guess on bowel movements, I had a rectal exam done, and he said he felt nothing unordinary, I have a appt with another rectal dr in ten day and I am a nervous wreck. I have been dealing with this for almost 1 1/2 - 2 years. I am 33, I have no weight loss, or appetite loss, of course tired but I have 3 kids and one is a 4 year old, so its busy. I am not on a good diet, we don;'t eat out alot, i do cook alot but not like fish, or anything like that. Very scared, just would like some suggestions before I do to dr.