Bleeding during bowel movements

[MamfaJane]

I am 28 and was diagnosed with Endometriosis seven years ago and have had one Laparoscopy (seven years ago). Recently a new problem has cropped up that is worrying me slightly. During the week prior to my period starting, I have been finding a substantial amount of bright red blood on the toilet paper, after having a bowel movement. I brought this to my gynae''s attention during my last visit, he said that he could see no reason for this on my internal scan. He did find some cysts and prescribed Duphaston for ten days (which has made this bowel movement bleeding MUCH worse - alot more blood), he noted that we would have to book for a Colonoscopy to check where the bleeding is coming from (he thinks I might have internal piles - but I only experience the bleeding a week before my period starts) My bowel movements also seems to be alot more urgent during this time. I dont particularly like the idea of having a Colonoscopy, and would rather not have one - unless totally necessary. I am not even sure that the blood is coming from my colon - as everything gets bloody at this time, could also be from my vagina. How would I determine exactly where the blood is coming from? What could this problem be? Are my gynae''s suspicions correct - do I need to go for a colonoscopy? I have a follow up appointment with my gynae next week and would like to have some other options to discuss with him. Thanks!

[MamfaJane]

Well, after all the stress of having to possibly have a colonoscopy, I had my follow up appointment last week Monday. I had been in incredible pain on my right side (right around where my right ovary is) for about a week.  My husband kept suggesting that I go to the emergency room, but I kept putting it off, because I knew I had my follow up appointment in a few days. When I finally did see the gynae, he did an internal scan and noted that the cyst on my ovary had grown considerably. He booked me in for an emergency Laparoscopy the next day. I am on me feet again and feeling slightly better - still a little sore over my right ovary, and not sure what the gynae has done (I know he performed a cystology - but am sore all over) I have another appointment with him tomorrow, am a little nervous about what news he will have.  My endometriosis has obviously progressed from stage one, to stage three (as there are now cysts present) and I am extremely worried about my chances of falling pregnant, my husband and I wanted to start trying next year - but I am concerned that my risk of being infertile has now increased dramatically.  I do think that this may have eliminated the chances of me having to have a colonoscopy (as I am sure the doc had a look at my colon during the lap), but in comparison - a colonoscopy would've been much easier to handle.  Will keep you up to date!

[PrincessJam]

It's very difficult to get someone to listen to you and your symptoms, that's for sure.  My gastro doctor and gyno were constantly arguing about what they thought it would be.  The gastro doctor thought it was endo, the gyno thought it was a gastro thing.... so the gastro doctor was right.  He didn't think that the colonoscopy was necessary to begin with, but I think they wanted to rule that out before doing invasive surgery like a lap is, as they put you totally out.

As far as a problem.... they wanted me to eat more fruits/vegetables/fiber... they thought that I could be ripping/tearing little tears down there (sorry if TMI) because of being constipated... but they weren't really sure.  It could have been a virus kinda like the flu that caused it.  It happened around my period too sometimes so it was hard to tell where it was coming from.

I had the colonoscopy, there were no polyps found, but a little redness near my stomach (on the inside) but nothing to be too alarmed about.

I moved on the laproscopy and realized I had endo.  They removed what they could and I was on Lupron for 6 months to stop my period and to "kill off" anything that they were unable to get in the surgery.

It could be so many different things, it's just getting someone to listen to you and believe you about how much pain there is and how to get it resolved.  

[skepticalpeach]

They can't see endo on an ultra sound. They have to give you surgery to go look for it. You very well could have a bunch of endo on your bowels. That sounds more likely since it acts up when you get your period. If your doctor isn't doing what you want, then go find someone who will. I have a lot of bowel problems and went and found a new doc who was willing to give me a lap before sending me off to a gastro doc. The first person I saw just wanted to do that. I said no and she wouldn't listen to me. Good luck!

[britt97]

Hi princessjam, i am having the sam bleeding after bowel movements through the back passage. my gyn wants me to have a colonoscopy. what was your problem? did you find out?

[PrincessJam]

I had some of the same issues as well.  It was actually the bleeding that caused me to be referred to a gastroentorologist.  I would have red blood coming when I had a bowel movement too.  You just need to make sure it's coming from your butt and not your vagina.  Just be careful when you wipe to see where it's coming from.

I had a colonoscopy... I was 25 years old.... it wasn't bad at all, but ended up not being necessary, as I later had a laparoscopy and was diagnosed with endo.  

I guess it wouldn't be a bad idea to have the colonoscopy if they think it could possibly be something related to your bowels.  

Good Luck!