Blood on wipe/stool

[TFD2009]

Hello,

A week ago Saturday, I had a large bowel movement and afterward, I noticed blood on the wipe and there appeared to be some on/in the stool. I hadn't had a movement for 3 days at that point (my normal movements are every other day) so I assume that would be considered constipation. Passing the stool was also a bit uncomfortable. The next time I had a movement on my normal day, I didn't see any blood on the wipe or the stool. The following time, I did see a bit of blood on the wipe when I was almost done wiping. I looked at the stool and did not see any blood. So, the next few times everything seemed fine but this evening I had another movement and while there was no blood on the wipe, I noticed what I thought was a red spot in my stool so I grabbed a flashlight to further inspect it. Under the light I saw light colored blood on several areas of one end of the stool. I have not really had any pain in my rectum outside of slight pain during the actual bowel movements. I know I need to see a doctor but I was wondering if anyone had any insight into what it might be.

[Morecambe]

I concur with your decision to seek medical advice - I suggest that you type in rectal bleeding to google/yahoo etc and "wise up" on all symptoms/causes etc before you meet your doctor so that you are fully informed,

Ask for a firm diagnosis rather than a "...well it looks as if it might be.....".

A colonoscopy is the most comprehensive test if the diagnosis is ambiguous.

regards
Morecambe

[TFD2009]

Thanks for the reply. I have been doing some research and I think it's probably an internal hemorrhoid. After I posted last night I began noticing a slight discomfort in my rectum. I wouldn't call it pain but there are definitely sensations in the area. Anyway, I mainly posted to see if anyone had something similar to my situation and what their problem was before getting to see the doctor next week.

[Matthew007]

yeah the brighter the blood the closer to the end, the darker the higher up (ulcer for example).. probably a fissure is what i think they call it.. i'd drink plenty of water and maybe get some miralax or something non-laxative (or stool softener) to help you out.  Too much pressure on your colon right now.  For sure whatever you do don't strain at all.

[TFD2009]

Just to update, I went to the doctor today and after an anoscopy, he said I have internal hemorrhoids. He referred me to a specialist for treatment and perhaps a colonoscopy to be absolutely certain it is nothing more serious. Feeling pretty relieved overall at this point.

[Matthew007]

well i'm glad you went into the doctor then..high chance you would have had problems down the road and everyone should have a colonoscopy in their life anyway (screening for colon cancer/polyp's) so you did the right thing, glad you got a quick diagnosis too, usually lots of us go in and the doctor can't figure it out :)

Good luck if you do that colonoscopy (they're easy..the prep isn't fun but other than that..)