Abnormal Bowel with Mucus and Blood

[Kestrelskid]

Hey all,
My name is Kelly I am a 37yo Mother of 4.

I have always has stomach problems and was told originally that I had spastic bowel now known as IBS. I had my gall bladder removed last year and have had no pain to really mention until now.
Recently a stabbing pain under the ribcage started again which is the same pain I had before the GB removal I also have cramping on my lower left side just to the right of the pelvic bone near my uterus....(my tubes where tied last year)

Three months ago I stopped having regular bowel movements.
I have since then passed only toothpaste consistency movements about once every couple of weeks. Usually coated with a thick white mucus and occasionally bright red blood.
For the last month it has been literally only mucus and occasional bleeding with no pressure being exerted.
At least once every day I get an immediate and extreme need to go and get to the bathroom and only pass mucus and gas. The odor is terrible to the point where I am uncomfortable to use a public washroom.

There is a history of bowel and colon cancer in the women in my family so I am a complete mess. My Doctor has  told me to increase my fiber I have been and nothing changed. He also requested that I go for a colonoscopy but I wont even know if and when I can get an appt for 6-8 weeks. I have tried to be patient but this is going on to week 7 and I am getting overly emotional about all of this and can only think of the idea of it being Cancer.

Anyone else have these symptoms and have an answer of suggestions ?
all I can find are quick info's on IBS/Crohn's Disease / Ulcerative Colitis none of which mention the inability to pass stools only diarrhea so not thinking that that is the problem.

Thanks in advance guys for any help
Kelly

[Kestrelskid]

Hi thanks for the quick response.
I have been increasing my fiber as well as taking the metamucil. To no avail...hubby says that this has been going on too long and we are both getting frustrated. So any ideas are def'ly welcome. The links to are greatly appreciated.
I will start keeping a diary as suggested.
This morning I had a small toothpaste movement as soon as I finished I got a stabbing pain radiating from my behind into the area of my lower left side just to the right of the pelvic bone near my uterus, It still hurts although now it it is only a constant nagging ache when I move it hurts.

Thanks again
Kelly

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!
Tooth paste consistency of stool is normal. What is abnormal is the foul smell, mucus and only once per couple of weeks. This could be due to uncontrolled IBS. Constipation too is a symptom of IBS. Foul smelling stool is seen in various conditions including IBS. You can read more about this on: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003132.htm
There are many things you can do to lessen the discomfort.
"Keep a stress diary. Persons with an irritable bowel have an intestinal system that overreacts to food, stress, and hormonal changes. "Think of your irritable bowel as a built-in barometer, and use it to help you determine what things in your life are most stressful," “Log in your food and beverage intake, too. Certain foods and beverages, just like stress, can activate an irritable bowel, so it's also helpful to record in your diary the foods and beverages that give you the most trouble.”
“Add fiber to your diet. Many people with IBS do much better simply by adding fiber to their dietsFiber tends to be most effective with people who tend toward constipation and small, hard stools, but it may also help you if you're suffering from diarrhea. The best fiber to add to your diet is the nonsoluble type—found in bran, whole grains, fruit, and vegetables.
Call psyllium seed to the rescue. An easy way to increase your fiber intake is with crushed psyllium seed,
Go easy on the bran. If you are adding fiber such as bran to your diet, add it slowly to give your body time to adjust. Too much fiber, too fast, can produce gas”
Read more on this link: http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/47/86.cfm

Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!