Should I go to the doctor?

[cgoodi1]

I'm not sure if I'm overreacting or if I should go to see a doctor. I have a fear of doctors so if this sounds like internal hemorhoids I'd like to spare myself the doctor visit. I've always had trouble going to the bathroom and have always gotten bad hemorhoids from straining. This has occurred ever since I was small. When I was pregnant a year ago I had the worst hemorhoids ever and sometimes would be on the toilet for hours (seriously). I would even cry over the pain. After birth I no longer had that problem. I still have to push but nothing that's irregular for me. Just recently every so often (maybe once a month) I've noticed a bit of blood in my stools; nothing crazy but a bit just the same. Yesterday I went to the bathroom and after a bowel movement two drops of blood fell into the toilet. I'm breastfeeding and don't have my period so it's for sure not that. I've also had two stools in the past that look a bit like they're covered in mucus. I keep chalking it off to hemorhoids or maybe an anal fissure because sometimes it stings a bit after a bowel movement but I just wanted to ask what you people think. I just don't want to chalk it off to nothing if it sounds like it could be something worse. Thanks!

[kellywin]

Yes. I think probably everyone on here will tell you to go to the doctor. Most likely it probably isn't serious, probably hemmorroids. But that's what I thought too, my doctor initally thought so as well, turned out not so much. See a doctor.

[Voxx66]

I think you already know the answer - yes, you should have it checked out. Your peace of mind will be better if it's nothing and in the off-chance it actually is something then finding out asap is critical.

[Cb75]

Yes go to the doctor and push for answers. I have a similar story and assumed that most of what I was experiencing were side effects from the changes experienced as a result of pregnancy. Please get checked. Push for a scope. There is no harm in taking a look. I was diagnosed almost one year after my daughter was born.

[Kathryn in MN]

It could be hemorrhoids. It could be a fissure. It could be Chron's or Colitis. It could be colon or rectal cancer. So you DO need to see a doctor.

It is NOT normal to have mucous in your stool. It is NOT normal to have blood in your stool (bright red, or tarry black stools from dried blood). It may not be anything serious. It may be. Don't play Russian Roulette with your life - especially when you have a child you want to be here for!

[jacekica]

Yes, you have to go to see a doctor and if possible go sooner rather than waiting adn be under the sress. Blood can bi of hemorrhoids, but mucus is not normal at all. Go to your doc and insist on thoriugh exam, colonoscpy is not so bad, especially in USA where you are sedated during procedure.You will do it and than you will know it and be at peace - if it is about hemorrhoids OK, if not you are in time and right place to be.

[jjlist]

really?

[Mastan]

Get it checked out by your doctor. I too thought I had hemorrhoids.

[ziggymonster]

I was also being treated for hemmaroids....went six before doing colonoscopy ...the rest is history,go to your doc insist on a colonoscopy

[dianne052506]

cgoodi1,
Here's a question to ask yourself: If your child (at any age) was suffering from the same symptoms, wouldn't you be knocking down the doctor's door to get your child seen as soon as possible? So why, as the person on whom your child is the most dependent, should you do any less for yourself?

I understand completely about fear of doctors. And I understand the fear of not being taken seriously by a doctor. Even at this point, I dread seeing my internist, but have no problem with any of my oncologists. But please, for your child's sake, and for your sake, see a doctor. If it is something serious, you don't want to be kicking yourself for a delay. And if it is hemohroids, well, you know what, that deserves treatment, too!

[bldblu_2]

Yes, absolutely.