help! blood in stools

last week i noticed very little pink blood on the toilet paper.  there was more red blood the next time.  two days ago there was light pink spots of blood (very little), but slight pain and discomfort while going (as if there was a cut down there somewhere, it felt like stretching a scab or something).  and i have also notice pink splotches of blood in the stools.  most of the stools are regular colored (light tan) but one really small piece was darker today.  what is the cause of this?  i am very scared.  i just had a urinary tract infection and took bactrim - could this be related?  is this serious?  or will it heal by itself???

HELP!

[thissucks]

i forgot to mention - i have no other symptoms... no other pains, vomitting, diarrhea or anything.  i feel normal except when i go.

[nadia]

You should look up anal fissures.  If you have pain near the anal opening, it could be either hemmorhoids or anal fissures. A doctor will confirm with a rectal exam.

[HLM]

I agree with Nadia!

[thissucks]

thanks for the help!  i really appreciate it

[Concerned lady]

Good luck to you, and I like your "name" ("thissucks")!

[arlmon]

My daughter had the same symptoms as you do. She had an anal fissure and had to have the muscle cut (ouch). They did this in the doctor's office with local freezing. It was very painful, even after the surgery, but now, thank goodness  (it's been 2 years), she's fine. She has to take Metamucil every day for the rest of her life. (she's only 26). It helps her. You need to see a good proctologist to get proper help - I know no one likes to go to these specialists, but it's no use suffering. Oh yes, there's also nitrogyclerine ointment that my daughter applied - it's only available by perscription. Good luck!