Blood/mucous stools

[LPNGirl07]

Hi, I am a 34 year old Caucasian female. I am a married, mother of two children. I am 5'4, 145 lbs. I have a history of genetic high BP (that started at age 22) & proxymal tachycardia which is controlled with medicine. My current medicines are Bystolic 5 mg once daily for BP, and Vistaril 25 mg as needed for anxiety.

I have recently been noticing some blood & mucous in my stools when I use the restroom. It seems to be mostly on the outside of the stool, possibly slightly mixed in on the edges, but I can't tell. I have seen a very light amount of blood here & there throughout my life after a BM, mainly after being constipated or a large BM, but there seems to be a little more lately the past 6 months. It is not a large amount, but enough to get my attention & I can see it. I do not see it in the toilet water or toilet paper, just mostly on outside of stool. I noticed a little more blood/mucous today after intercourse with my husband last night. I do not have diarrhea, or any other symptoms with it really. I do get occasional gassy stomach here and there, and mild heart burn sometimes. I also have had a dull ache on my sides, lower back area, here & there the last 6 months, but I'm not sure it is related or not. I have suffered from sciatica for years, so not sure if it's related to lower back pain. I was diagnosed as having hemorrhoids after my first daughter was born vaginally in 2002. I was told I still had them right before the birth of my second daughter in '08. I'm pretty sure I still have them, and I think they are mostly internal. I do have some itching & very mild pain there during and after a BM sometimes. Do my symptoms sound like hemorrhoids or something more serious?

I have no family history of colon cancer/polyps that I know of. My sister has Irritable bowel syndrome though. I have an appointment with a gastroenterology specialist in two weeks to try to figure out what's going on and peace of mind. My husband's first wife died in her early twenties with colon cancer, so this definitely makes me nervous. Anyone else experience anything like this??

[LPNGirl07]

I was diagnosed with a benign 1.2 cm tubulovillous adenoma (slightly advanced colon polyp). Still waiting on the path report from GI doctor, but received letter from him that it was benign. Supposed to follow up with GI doctor in 3 years for repeat colonoscopy. Plan on seeing him in a few weeks to request early colonoscopy though. Will continue to give updates.

[LPNGirl07]

Thanks corey, I'll keep u all updated so I maybe can help others in the future.

[coryreply719]

Thanks for the update. I'm glad you had it checked out. I'll continue praying.

[LPNGirl07]

Had colonoscopy today. The prep was awful! lol Yuck. The doctor found a pre cancerous polyp in me. So glad I went in. If you have symptoms, go in! He thinks it is an adenoma polyp. He did not think it was malignant and I did not have colon cancer at this point. He is sending polyp off for biopsy. Results of biopsy will let him know when I need repeat colonoscopies. I also had hemorrhoids and mild diverticulitis.

[LPNGirl07]

Thanks jumong I will!

[Jumong]

Personally I don't think it likely that you have cancer, but the colonoscopy will give you a definitive diagnosis and ease your mind. Hang in there and keep us posted.

[LPNGirl07]

My GI recommended a colonoscopy. Going this Monday. Will post results later. Prayers please...

[LPNGirl07]

Well, tomorrow is the day. Going to see my GI doctor. Will let everyone know what he says, and upcoming test results.

[LPNGirl07]

Hi pleasehelpme070408, thanks for your comment. Did it get better? What did the doctors do for you? I'm hoping whatever it is I have is benign, or gets better. I just fear the worst I guess as a mom of two. My husband's first wife had colon cancer, and passed away in her early 20s from it (they did not have any children together). I remember him saying her initial symptoms were unable to have a bowel movement & vomiting though. He said he didn't think she had blood in her stool either. Where he has lost a wife to colon cancer, and we have kids now, the symptoms I'm having are definitely making us nervous. I will be glad to get it checked out. I hope you are well now.

[pleasehelpme070408]

I had the same symptoms several years ago.  I had a sigmoidoscopy and was diagnosed with acute colitis.

[LPNGirl07]

OK Thanks coryreply!

[coryreply719]

Sorry you're going through this. I know that kind of discovery can be a little scary. Prayers for you! Keep us posted.

[LPNGirl07]

Thanks so much, I appreciate it. Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's bright red blood/mucous not red food, but hoping its benign. My family friend had similar symptoms a couple years ago & their issue turned out to be colitis I think. They told me they were passing a lot of blood though. Thanks for your comment. I will keep everyone posted! :)

[cnoevl21]

I wouldn't be worried about cancer. There are so many other things it more likely is. Hemorrhoids could for sure cause blood in your stool, as well as IBS, constipation, and a slew of other things. Hopefully your GI will be able to give you some piece of mind. Also, keep in mind that many ppl think there is blood in their stool and it ends up being red food, like cherry jello could look like blood in stool. Not that im saying this is what is going on with you, just pointing out the possibility. Good luck!