blood and mucus in stoo

[jaybirdme]

i have blood and mucus in my stool - began with green stool, went to grayish diarrhea, now thin bowel movements with the blood and mucus. there is enough blood to see but not enough to change the water color in the bowl.(I am a 45 year old woman.)

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Blood and mucus with diarrhea can be due to gastroenteritis or stomach flu, IBS, ulcerative colitis or due to malabsorption syndrome. Parasitic infections like amoebiasis and giardiasis too could be a cause.
The best thing would be to consult a general practitioner or PCP and try and assess what is the cause of your problem. Take care!

[FurballsMom]

Definitely speak to your gastroenterologist.  Gray or pale colored stool is often associated with the gallbladder.  The tests done on the gallbladder are first, the ultrasound, which is no big deal.  Second is sometimes a CAT scan, which is also no big deal.  HIDA scans are done if there is sufficient cause to do so.  And, remember one important thing, so you don't stress yourself out:  Not every gallbladder issue needs surgery, and not all gallbladder issues even involve gallstones.  I had some periodic issues myself with the gallbladder that turned out to be from the gallbladder actually spasming.  That's why I know that even if the gallbladder is involved, that doesn't mean that there is something going on that needs major surgery.  

And, I do agree with the above post about the tests she mentioned, too.  Those tests she mentioned are not that big of a deal to do and should be done.

[Debra109]

mucus is a normal part of the intestinal lining including other parts of the body.  Blood in the stool can be associated with constipation or hemorroids. Blood in the stool and associated with a thinning of the fecal matter is a something a physician should advise you about.  He may order fecal occult test, blood test or colonoscopy.  In any event, when there is a change and something is differerent or abnormal, communicate your concerns with a physician immediately.  Take care!