Mucus in stool

Over the past few weeks I have had two bouts of mucus in my stool.  This morning I saw dots of red in one bit of mucus, but nothing since. I have not noticed blood in stool. Presently I am experiencing abdominal pain (feels like really bad gas pain that makes me want to hunch over)  along with mucus passing with small amounts of stool. The strange thing is that after a two day of mucus and constipation everything returns to normal. I am vegetarian and wonder if there be any connection between these symptoms and my consumption of soy milk? How abnormal is the passing of mucus with stool? Is this cause to go to the doctor right away or is this a wait & see situation? I am 42 with three young children at home and getting to the doctor can be a big deal, so I want to make sure it is warranted. Thanks so much!

[AngeliqueNicole]

I am 18 and i'm having the same problems. I am also a vegetarian. I went to the doctor about my abdominal pain but i didn't think it was related to the stool problem so i didn't mention it. They've check for ulcers and problems with my digestion but nothing check out. Its gotten worse and now its painful to go to the bathroom, so i'll be going back to the doctor soon.