Duodenal ulcer and bloody mucus and stools

[maggimay]

Hi all!
I am hoping to find some answers from anyone.  All would be really appreciated.
I was diagnosed with a duodenal ulcer October 2007 by endoscopy.  I was given two RX meds to take care of it but I know it started coming back shortly after I finished the course of medication that was prescribed for 6 weeks.   Maybe it wasn't totally resolved the first time although I felt pretty good.  My doctor says the ulcer the first time was caused by Ibuprofen.

As I mentioned I know my ulcer has come back, I have no doubt.  Although, it's not as painful as the first one.  I haven't worried about it since it hasn't been as painful and have just "kept watch" thinking that if it got even close to the pain I was having with the first one that I would contact my doctor for more meds.  

During the last couple of weeks I have suspected that I might see a little blood in my stools with some mucus.  The last two days for sure I have seen some blood, with what little bits of stools I have managed to put out, and also bloody mucus.  I know this is all discusting.  Please forgive me but I am hoping to get some answers as I said before and am trying to provide any details that might help.  Sometimes I try to have a bowel movement and all that comes out is the bloody mucus.  I suspect that I am a little constipated.  This is not something that is common for me though.  When I have had some bowel movements it is not painful.  I have never been told that I have hemmroids and I don't feel that I have the syptoms of that from what I have read.  

Can a person's stools have some blood as well as the bloody mucus if my ulcer has turned into a bleeding ulcer?  From what I've read the stool is usually black and tarry with a bleeding ulcer and mine isn't.

I am really nervous about going to the doctor.  I am really terrified that I will have to have a test such as a colonospody (spelling??)   Very embarrassed about the thought.  Also afraid that I'll get scolded for not starting on meds sooner when my ulcer started coming around again.  Guess I didn't want to hastle with missing more work for another doctor's appointment and have to take the big horse pill that had to be taken at pretty specific times of the day.

By the way I am 44.

I would love to get any advice.

Thank you!!!      

[TrudieC]

This sounds like more than an ulcer.  These days most doctors will sedate you for a colonoscopy.  Please get to the doctor.

[1949greenlady]

the heck with being embarrassed CALL A DR.