Rectal bleeding after running

[smilingcow]

I am 43 yr old woman who runs 25 - 30 miles per week.  I have been running since 1994 and a week ago, after a 7 mile run, I thought I had diarrhea but it was all bright red blood.  This happened again two days later.  I do have hemorhoids but have never experienced bleeding, certainly not like this! I am in the process of switching primary caregivers (I am in an HMO) but do not have an initial appointment with my new provider until 3/30.  I called my current drs office and left a message with the nurse.  I did not tell her that I experienced heavy bleeding, just that there was blood after a run and that I had hemorhoids. She called back and said that the dr prescribed Proctofoam and tucks.  My question is - and definitely not to second guess my dr - I didn't really state my case - is this something that I should address now? or should I just hang tight until my March appointment? I realize I may be overreacting but this has never before occurred.  In addition to the bleeding, I've had a sharp pain in my lower left abdomen that has been fairly consistent over the past few years.  I've had several urgent trips to the restroom with diarrhea on a daily basis.  There is no history of cancer or lower GI problems in my family.  If it sounds like this type of bleeding could be attributed to hemorrhoids, then I'm happy to wait.  Thanks.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Any recetal bleeding needs to be promptly evaluation.  Although hemorrhoids is the most common cause, there are plenty of more dangerous causes.

This can include cancer, polyps, inflammatory colitis, or diverticulosis.  

I would consider a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy for a more thorough evaluation.  If negative, an abdominal CT scan can be considered to further evaluate the abdominal pain.

These options should be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b

[MLWTR]

If you had relatively heavy bleeding, that really doesn't sound like just hemorrhoids. If I were you, I would call back the office and explain just how much blood there was and mention the other GI symptoms. Maybe they can arrange a referral to a GI for you, because this doesn't sound like something that you should leave undiagnosed for an extended period of time.

Good luck.