blood and mucus

[Kramer123]

I am a 60 year old male, married, non-smoker, non-drinker. I have had IBS for a number of years. In April of 2012, I noticed blood and mucus in my stool. Over time, I have noticed that the blood is getting brighter in colour. This is a daily thing with me. I have diarrhea quite often and I use Imodium to get that under control. Usually helps but not lately. I have to take about 6-8 Imodium, sometimes daily, usually that will help me control the diarrhea for a couple of days but then it starts all over again. I have been to my doctor and he has suggested the colonoscopy but I rejected that idea unless I am put out. I live in Canada and I think a colonoscopy is covered. Needless to say, I need help.

[Kramer123]

When I went to the doctor about this, i mentioned to him about hemorrhoids or whatever near the anus and he then asked if i had any pain while passing stool and i will tell you the same thing i told him...."no pain while passing stool", so he ruled that out right away. I say again, i have no pain while passing stool, so it can't be hemorrhoids. There is pain with diverticulosis, my brother in law had that and was in agony. My son has Crohns and my symptoms are nothing like his. As  for anything going up there is out of the question. What about a virtual colonoscopy which is done by scanning. I have been watching my diet for years, no green vegetable, no leafy vegetable, carbonated drinks i let go flat before drinking. i sure don't need fibre, fibre gives me diarrhea and i don't need that as i have it daily as it is which is why i live on Imodium. There is no constipation even though i take upwards of 6 Imodium a day. When i do go to the washroom to have a bowel movement there is blood and mucus mixed with the stool, not just when the stool falls. When i clean myself, there is blood on the paper, not a bright blood red, but sort of pinkish in color.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
Since there is blood which you can see, it is coming from the lower gut. The possible causes are hemorrhoids, anal fissures, anal infection, rectal polyps, colon polyps, diverticulosis (outpouchings from the bowel wall), inflammatory bowel disease (IBS, Crohn's, Celiac, ulcerative colitis), or dysentery.
In hemorrhoids the blood falls after the stool. In fissures it lines the stools. In all other problems the blood is mixed with stools. Some of these conditions can be diagnosed by a proctoscopy (inserting a proctoscope, an instrument to visualize the anal mucosa better). Your doctor can perform this during a usual office visit. For other conditions you may need a colonoscopy.
If IBS is the diagnosis then: Keep a stress diary. Log in the food intake and the symptoms as they appear. See if there is a correlation between a particular food item and symptoms. Add fiber to your diet through consuming bran, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Add crushed psyllium seed to your food preparations. Also, add fibers slowly as adding fibers too fast can cause bloating and gas. Also, add water in any form to your diet—plain water, lemonade, clear soups,etc. Fiber supplements can also be added. You need to go slow on food that increases gas content of the gut such as salads, raw fruits and vegetables (especially cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower), and carbonated beverages. Medications can be prescribed such as anti-diarrhea medications, anticholinergic medications, anti-depressants and medications to loosen the stool if there is constipation. Eat small frequent meals. Exercise regularly as these help the bowel to move.
Also some medications can be prescribed under strict vigilance: Alosetron has been approved for women with IBS and severe diarrhea and that too under strict vigilance and research program. Similarly Lubiprostone may be prescribed to men and women with IBS and constipation, again under strict vigilance.
Please consult your doctor regarding this. Take care!
I sincerely hope you will find this information useful in your journey towards better health.

Hope you get well soon! Good Luck and take care!