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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Blood in stool
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin, M.D.
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/ Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
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Blood in stool
by Mila Hunter, Aug 02, 2007 09:48AM
I have had blood in my stool before usually after some what heavy drinking. A few days later it would clear up and all would be fine. Two days ago with out the drinking I felt a relief of pressure in my stomach. I then had a bowel movement producing a large volume of medium red blood. I have had gas and a minimum amount of bowel movementsince. The color is dark red as if it is trying to dry up. I usually have a tender spot in my right side below my rib cage. This seems to be a point of blocking to some degree. I am not sure if I should rush to the doctor or if it will probably be recovering and I need not worry. A year and 1/2 ago I had a colonopstomy which was ok but they said I had a palp that seemed to be precancerious..
What do you recommend? Should I try to flush my system?
Bill
What do you recommend? Should I try to flush my system?
Bill
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Aug 10, 2007 11:35PM
, Aug 10, 2007 11:35PM
Sorry for the delayed response - I was on vacation.
Blood in the stool can be caused by benign diseases like hemorrhoids or diverticulosis. More dangerous causes like polyps or cancer however, needs to be ruled out. A negative colonoscopy 1 1/2 years ago makes the latter possibilities less likely.
However, depending on your age and family history, you may want to repeat the endoscopy - since some patients have a genetic predisposition to developing polyps quickly.
Regarding a colon flush - there are no studies showing that colon flushes have any benefit.
These questions 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_
Blood in the stool can be caused by benign diseases like hemorrhoids or diverticulosis. More dangerous causes like polyps or cancer however, needs to be ruled out. A negative colonoscopy 1 1/2 years ago makes the latter possibilities less likely.
However, depending on your age and family history, you may want to repeat the endoscopy - since some patients have a genetic predisposition to developing polyps quickly.
Regarding a colon flush - there are no studies showing that colon flushes have any benefit.
These questions 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_
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