Rectal Bleeding

[M.]

I'm a 31-year-old female with no known family history of colon cancer. I've been experiencing bright red rectal bleeding with bowel movements, but not consistently. I could go 1 or more months in between episodes. Sometimes it's just a little blood, and sometimes it's a substantial amount. Actually, I can remember having this happen when I was even a teenager, intermitently. With all the publicity being given to colon cancer, I'm really scared that I may have it. It seems every time I turn around there's another news story about this cancer. What are the risk factors for someone my age for colorectal cancer? Should I see my family doctor, or should I make an appointment right away for a colonoscopy?

[M.]

FYI, I have a doctor's appointment this afternoon. So hopefully everything will turn out to be nothing serious. Actually, I'd had this appt. set up already for something else, but I called last week and asked to see the doc instead of the nurse practitioner, so will mention the bleeding to him and see what he wants to do. Wish me luck!

[Bob Simons]

I have the same problem except I think mine is bleeding on the surface as it only gets on the paper. There is a new test that is done in a lab. You send in samples of stool on slides and they put drops on it to see if it reacts and that will tell you if its colon-rectal cancer. I have to turn mine in soon and see what they say. PS. I'm 48 yrs. old and have had an anal abcess, along with Hepatitis-C,Diabetes II, chirossis, and gall bladder removed last year. Lots of fun ahead!

[Sherry]

I had a colonoscopy done a few months ago.  I had no pain killers nor anesthia given to me.  Let me tell you people, I wanted to come up off of that table!!!  I suggest to all of those out there that you request something to relax you.  Of course I lived to tell about it, however, I know I will never go through another without something to put me into la la land.  FYI, my understanding is that the procedure for some reason is more painful to women than to men.

[lisa]

im a 21 year old whos been having bleeding in my stools off and on for 3 years . the doctor has done the signoscopy and xrays of my intestines and they found nothing. well 2 days ago i noticed blood in my stool again and ive had a weird pain in my leftside abdomenen kind of like a tugging pain only when i bend over. what could it be a pulled ab muscle because i did use the ab machine 3days ago  i m getting so baffled about the blood tho.

[Gina Ing]

I am new at this posting. I am taking care of my 31 year old sister who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer last year. Her tumor was removed and she went through chemotherapy and radiation. She also had an eliostomy for three months. It was just reversed a week ago. Now she does not have to have a bag anymore.

I would like to learn more about the type of diet and nutrition she should follow after surgery. Also, she was not supposed to loose her hair from her chemotherapy treatment. But she lost it almost all. We do not know the reasons since the oncologist have not encountered similar cases where people have lost their hair. Again, the chemo for colon cancer is different. FOr other cancers people do loose their hair. Anyone have any comments? I would like to know experiences in taking care of her diet and comments about loosing hair. SHe is so afraid it will not come back since it has been almost two months since she lost it.
Thank you,  GINA

[Josh]

I am 21 years old, and I read all of your comments, and I just thought that I would mention some of my symptoms:  No pain, but a lot of bleeding, sometimes throught my pants at work!.  If you have any suggestions please let me know.  I am not afraid to go to the doctor, I just don't have any insurance till May.  Do you think that it can wait till then!  Help!  josh.***@**** is my e-mail address.  Thanks!

Josh