Rectal bleeding

[njj]

I am having rectal bleeding on occasion. It is not heavy - just started in May. During a pre-screening - at age 50 during a colonoscopy the surgeoen found either
divecticulitis or diverticulosis  can't remember the ditinction in my case- it has been 6 years.  
What does a doctor - do for testing this situation?

[Morecambe]

I suffered torrential diverticular bleeding about four years and the eventual treatment was a total colectomy.

Before a decision was taken to operate I underwent a colonoscopy and various other tests (CT, barium contrast etc).  These tests "visualise" the diverticular "outpouchings" quite clearly.

Basically, after the bleeding (which stopped spontaneously) my red blood cell count continued to be on the low side and, after a further episode of less severe rectal bleeding, the decision was taken for the total colectomy.  I think it was a balance between "hoping that the condition would cure itself" and the risk of a further episode of major bleeding when I was far away from a hospital thuis placing my life was at risk if there was a chance of not receiving a blood transfusion within ~30 minutes.

I suggest that you discuss this with your doctor.  If you wish I have also describe my own experience of the operation is response to another patient's posting.  Type in renae241 into the search box at the top right hand of this page.  Then scroll down and click on a posting which says:-  colectomy I have been advised.....".  You should find a posting from renae241 dated 20 May toi which I replied.

Good luck and do revert of you have any further questions.

Morecambe

[tired237]

I have bleeding and doctor scheduled flex. sigmoid ( already had colonscopy also).  Which is only part way.