Blood in stool, etc...

[Dioje777]

I'm a 37 year old male who has always had regular BMs.  For the past 7-10 days, I've noticed red blood in my stools.  At first, it was mucousy, but for the past few days, it is becoming more just blood intertwined in the stools.  Also, my kidneys dull ache as well.

I've always just had one BM regularly each morning, but now, I "have the urge" to use the bathroom a lot more.  I haven't had diarrea (diarrhea) or been constipated.  I also feel very tired and don't have much energy.

It is not a dark "tar" blood, nor is it super bright red.  But it leans more towards the bright red end of the spectrum.  The bloody parts that float around look like they have tenticles.  

I'm thinking chances are possibly either some sort of infection or some sort of bacterial infection???  I've been drinking a lot of water, and it's not helping the kidney aches.  I just took my temp and I have no fever.  But I don't feel that great either.

I plan on calling my Dr. tomorrow, but any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Most common reasons for bright red blood in the stool are infectious gastroenteritis, hemorrhoids, an anal fissure, cancer, polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease.  The chances of cancer increases as you get older.  Hemorrhoids, gastroenteritis or fissures would be the most common causes in your age group.

Any bleeding needs to be evaluated.  I would suggest a flexible sigmoidoscopy and/or anoscopy as a reasonable first evaluation.  This can be arranged via your primary care 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 patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[Dioje777]

Also, just a tiny bit gassy, but not abnormally so.  :)  I'm fairly certain my kidneys are aching, but it's confusing since I get "urge" pains to go to the bathroom many times a day for the past few days.  In the beginning (10 days ago) I would have a HUGE BM in the morning with a little blood and mucous.  Now, it's more like 7-10 small BM's throughout the day, and having the urge to go to the bathroom even more often than that.  Wierd.

[JSouth]

Sounds like you may have internal hemorrhoids. I remember I had an episode much like what you described. I had eaten dairy without realizing I was lactose intolerant and had severe diarrea (diarrhea) the next morning. I was literally going to the bathroom and finishing only to immediately cramp up within minutes afterwards. After my 7th or 8th straight BM, I noticed a slight reddish coloration on the paper. After my 10th BM, I was seeing a mix of blood and stool in the water and had a discomfort in the anal region. I felt like I was never finished and had to keep going. One time I went and only bright red blood came out, nothing else. Needless to say, this scared me quite a bit. I've been dealing quite a bit with hemorrhoids over the past few years and have used hot water soaking and Anusol suppositories to treat the problem. Since I sit while working, I also got a special cushion which takes the pressure off while sitting. These treatments always took care of the discomfort but I think the severe diarrea (diarrhea) might have ruptered an internal hemorroid. I've never seen blood like that before and haven't since (it's been a couple of weeks since the episode and no more blood). I'm thinking I may go see a specialist anyway.

[Micksandy]

I have had fairly bright red blood in my stool for the past month and a half about.
It happens 1 out of 3 times approximately.  It is accompanied by a kind of "chemical" type smell that I have never encountered before.  Just a different smell that I have never been "associated" with.
If this were a tear, shouldnt it be healed by now?  Also, I am worried about seeing a doctor (a phobia based on ignorance = maintained health that was instilled in me as a boy when my grandmother lived with cancer for years until a trip to the doctor for something else and died after diagnosis a month later).  Is this something that could be serious?  It has happened to me once a year, it seems, before this up until about 6 years ago.  I don't know if it is a tear, an ulcer or just age...I am 36 now.
Please advise.

Michael