I have been having pain in my left abdominal area for quite a while now. I also regularly have pain in my lower back. I had a child 2 1/2 years ago, and while pregnant had what I believed was a hemmeroid burst, lots of blood in the toilet with a bowel movement which took a lot of straining. I have always had constipation issues, however about a year ago I became quite regular and was very happy about this, However, I have in that same time period noticed red blood on my stool, sometimes on the toilet paper, and mucus (off and on) with the stool. It isn't a large amount of blood, but it does vary in amount. It is very common for me to have a bowel movement, and then an hour or so later feel like I have to go again, then simply pass mucus with blood in it. I have an appointment with a GI doctor this week, however the closer it gets the more scared I become. I've been dealing with constipation since I was a child, and in the last month or so it will flip flop between an urgent need to go and major constipation. I eat a lot of fruits, and drink a large amount of water. I'm just concerned because I am always so tired, it doesn't matter if I have slept or not, and my legs itch a lot. Any input would be greatly appreciated, as to what to expect at this appointment and what it could possibly be. I have never met with this type of doctor before.