blood in stool

[kicker]

I'm a 21 year old male and I've always been in good health other than allergies and asthma.



For a few weeks my BMs were only coming once every 2 or 3 days.  I was concerned that something was wrong, but after the few weeks it's gone back to the usual once a day.  A few days ago, I had what I thought was trapped gas in my stomach and the lower part of my belly.  It was so bad I couldn't sleep.  I tried some tums but they didn't help.  I ended up using Gas X and after a couple of those I got straighted out.

Well today, I had a BM.  I noticed what appeared to be streaks of blood on a couple of the poops.  It appeared to be on the surface.  The BM was hard, and I had to do some pushing for it to come out.  The blood appeared to be bright red.  Upon reflection, I feel like maybe I was constipated the last few weeks and perhaps that is why I was straining today.  Today was the largest BM I've had in a few weeks.

I've always heard that blood in the stools is a sign of cancer, so naturally I'm concerned.  This is the first time I've seen streeks of blood like that.  I'm pretty good about checking every so often just in case.  I've read on other post on this site that blood in the stool is common, and in other cases it could be cancer.  I'm confused about what the difference is.

Thanks for your time and appreicate any advice you can give me.

[Julie Walsh]

Alright. what you're seeing is blood that probably got on the stool from tiny cuts or anal fissures from straining to have the BM (happened to me, and this is what my doctor said). This is quite common after some constipation and ok.

For the future:

1. Blood mixed into the stool - especially with diahrrea or cramping - is a strong indicator of foodbourne illness that needs to be seen by doctor.

2. I don't know about the cancer link, but if you ever have black 'tarry' stools, also see ur doctor as the black is old blood in the stool.  

[kicker]

Thanks for your advice/thoughts.


It has happen two more times since Saturday.  Today the blood looked like say someone stuck your finger and you put your figner on a paper towel - it would make a splotch, that's what it looked like but it was on the BM.

The only thing pain wise thats happened is about two weeks ago I got a very sharp pain in my lower tummy.  It was so bad I couldn't walk, but it only lasted about 5 minutes and has not happened again.  I have had a problem over the last week with gas though, but the gas X helps.  The gas feels like now it is more south of my belly button.

It just worries me about the blood because I immediatley think cancer.  The blood does appear only to be on the surface though.  I don't want to over-react and rush to the doctor, but I don't want to under-react either and it be too late.  Thanks for listening to me.

[Aprilrc2]

Dear Kicker;I first must tell you I am a Medical Assistant and a Phlebotomist.If your blood is bright red, then it's a superficial cut.If it were dark red or brownish red then it's "old" blood,which is coming from further up the body and this is "reason" for concern.Don't forget, your stools are "stuck"(for lack of a better word)in your intestines for days,trying to exit.This will cause gases and much discomfort and cause the stools to harden and therefore cut soft tissue when making a bowel movement.Why don't you try drinking an once of prune juice everyday.Test it first see if it works for you.Tomorrow morning drink only an once of prune juice,see what effect it will have,do this every morning till you become regular.If it works for you then keep it in your daily diet.My one other advice is,please consult a Gastrointerologist.I'll keep in touch...Feel well...

[Cheezwife]

The blood on stool can be several things. I ignored mine till i passed out in the tub and was told i had a bleeding ulcer which never crossed my mind. Please get this checked. I am going in hosspital for a scope anally and mouth ut id rather know what is going on because im spotting blood like you. I will keep you posted but make an app. Dont be scaared it could be a hemmroid many things.   Good Luck

[BobbyDee]

Everyone please give me your input. I'm very worried and scared right now...

The last time I went to the bathroom for number 2 (taking a ****). I noticed that the toilet was filled with blood. Not a lot, I have seen this before but it was very very rarely that I see this. I figured I must have put too much pressure on my buttock's hole and caused it to bleed.

But today, I went to the crapper and the whole toilet was filled with blood. A LOT of blood. More than any of those other times that I've noticed blood. Bright red, almost whole toilet water was diluted in blood.

I am very worried. I am 18 years old Male. I don't have any pains on my body. I don't take any supplements or do drugs or anything. I only drink water, milk and orange juice.

What I really like to know is what the cause is. Can it be caused by eating spicy food? I will take extra precaution if my next visit to the bathroom is the same as today's

[Cheezwife]

Please get this checked! Go to the Doctors. This can be several signs of things. Like i said before mine was a bleeding ulcer. Polups can cause this which i have also hemmoroids (hemorrhoids) with the pressure you put on the bowel when you go.This has happened to me it is not natural to bleed from rectum. Im curious to know if your stool is tarry looking, But this does not need to be dark to be one of the following, My guess is hemmoroids (hemorrhoids) up high or polups or ulcer. Keep me informed i will check back with you   Good Luck!