looking for an answer to possible symptoms

Here is my situation I am 32 and have had a problem with blood on the tissue after wiping I have never noticed any blood in the stool or in the toilet bowl. I have had this problem for around about 1 year i have gone to my doctor and he has looked in my anus and said i am fine no hemmroids visable, i would not say there is a lot of blood on the tissue but some times just small streaks or dots not every time i go but 1 in every 3 -5 times i have no pains when i go just traces of blood on the tissue and the tissue only. any advice would be great maybey i am wiping to tuff ? what type of doctor would be better to diagnose thgis problem/ thanks

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Lower GI bleeding always needs to be evaluated.  Causes can range from hemorrhoids to a polyp or cancer.  

A flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy is recommended as a comprehensive evaluation of the lower bowel.  

A GI physician would be appropriate referral.  

These options can 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 patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com

[lizziecee]

Hi there - blood in the stool or on the tissue always needs further investigation to rule out infection, parasites or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which is ulcerative colitits or Crohn's. Haemmorhoids have already been ruled out so you need further tests. I presume the dr also ruled an anal fissute - a tear of the skin in the anal wall.

Now you need to see a gastroenterologist who specialises in the whole GI tract, but particularly both small intestine and large intestine diseases.  He can do a simple sigmoidoscopy with a scope to see if there is any inflammation or polyps. This doesn't require any kind of anaesthetic, and although perhaps a bit embarrassing at first, is quick and easy. If no problem found, then you need to get a colonoscopy - I have Crohn's and when I have this test, I am sedated with an injection in my hand, next thing I know is being woken up with a cup of tea and a biscuit. With the colonoscopy if the gastro finds any suspicious area, he can take biopsies, to be looked at by a pathologist.

I had no pain when I was dx with Crohn's 38 yrs ago, just loss of weight and diarrhea. The bleeding came about 15 yrs later, but my gastro said I didn't "present normally."

Please don't ignore blood from the anus - it needs checking out. Maybe nothing, but you need to know.

Take care,
Liz.