Mucus and Bright red blood in stool

[Deana27]

I'm 27 year old female. For 2 weeks now I have been suffering from these symptoms. Prior to this I was using Champix to help me quit smoking. I have stopped taking it 2 weeks ago, when I started noticing mucus and blood in my stoll.(Blood in stool is one of Chamix sidefects) Last week I went to see my doctor and he told me that it is not hemarroids, but I need to do some tests. He wanted me to do occult blood test and barium enema. I'm not sure if I want to do barium enema as my husband and I are trying to have a baby. I'm afraid that radiation from barium enema could harm the fetus. Otherwise, I feel good. I'm not losing weight, vomiting,suffering from nausea etc.
So here are my symptoms, tell me what you think. Otherwise, I feel great, not loosing weight, vomiting
mucus and bright red blood in stool
bloating
change in bowel habits
constipation or diarrahea
frequent urge to bowel movent (most times passing only mucus and blood)
increased passing gas
straning with bowel movements

Thanks a bunch

[Morecambe]

Rectal bleeding should be investigated thoroughly so that the causes are identified.  If your doctor assures you that the causes are not haemorrohids and/or anal fissure then I suggest that you enquire whether a colonoscopy will provide a conclusive diagnosis rather than the barium enema procedure in view of your intentions regarding becoming pregnant.

regards
Morecambe

[TrudieC]

Morecambe offers a good solution.  I'm so glad you are being watchful of the tests when you don't know you are pregnant.  It is very important that you do address this issue but if you can do without the x-rays you will be safe in case you are expecting.  Many years ago when doctors were investigating my same symptoms as you I had a niggling of wonder if I may be pregnant (I hadn't been trying but felt different) and went through all the testing.  I ended up having ulcerative colitis and then found out I was pregnant.  I carried the baby 16 weeks and then lost it due to all the radiation I had.  The guilt I feel 25 years later is still strong.