New here. Bleeding from bum

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sunflower007
Posts: 21
Joined: Fri Oct 19, 2018 2:29 am

New here. Bleeding from bum

Postby sunflower007 » Fri Oct 19, 2018 1:13 pm

Hello everyone,

Thank you for this forum. Thank you for accepting questions from people like me who don't know what we have yet, that is exceptionally kind of you all to do because a lot of forums don't allow that until diagnosis is confirmed. So thank you really and truly, because I am scared and the fear has been consuming my life for a while and it's nice to have some people to talk to about this.

So back in June of this year, for two weeks I was bleeding from rectum. I knew it wasn't a hemorrhoid this time because there was a good bit of bright red blood in the toilet which never happened from a hemorrhoid. It startled me. It would happen every time after a bowel movement. There would even be blood smears on my underwear. Not soaking in blood by any means. Just smeared. So I am assuming that everytime I went poop, it would take a while for the bleeding to stop which is why it was on my underwear. I wasn't gushing blood or anything. It's hard to describe the amount of blood, although I do have pictures if there is any way I can put them up, please let me know. But I will try to describe by using comparassions I seen from other people's stories online. I seen where some people described the whole bowl of toilet water was full of blood. That wasn't the case with mine. In my case, it seemed as though the stool passed first and the stream of blood followed right behind it. It didn't color the whole toilet bowl of water but it definitely wasn't just a little bit of blood either. A few drops would also drip from rectum onto the floor when I stood up to wipe. There was no blood in the stool or wraped around the stool itself. I'm not saying which is bad or which is worse, just simply giving details because I'm sure details help. Also, there was no pain when I passed it. After two weeks, it stopped.

The reasons why I didn't get it checked at that time was because I was going through extreme stress. The stress started in may, it is of a personal issue that caused me much grief. When the bleeding started happening in June (a month after severe stressful incident), I was in another town when it happened 500 miles from home visiting family. My cousin was dying from a disease he had since childhood. My other cousin was getting married. It was a long hard trip in the car to and from phyiscally wise. Right when we got back, I got sick with strep throat for a MONTH that my poor son gave to me. He got sick during the trip and passed it onto me on the way home. So yeah, it lasted a full month for me. It was horrible. Then soon after that, I developed a skin access that was heck painful that I had to have drained. Then not one, but two back teeth removed. In between all of this, my grandfather who actually raised me got diagnosed with cancer (bladder cancer). Then in September we had to evacuate from the hurricane (we live in North Carolina). We were stranded out of state for 3 weeks, we could not get back home. So I had a lot of things going on in the last few months which I could *not* *catch* *a* *break*. In the mean time of all of this, I was getting massive crippling panic attacks, heart palpatations which I hadn't had in YEARS.

In the middle of September, during the evacuation is when it happened again. This time, the same type of bleeding but this one only lasted after one bowel movement instead of two weeks. At this time I need to mention that I developed a small ache back in June when all of this first started happening. I felt something, like a pinch or an ache but it was so vague. It has never caused me signifcant pain but hence, the pressure was there. It was has not stopped. So I decided to go to the emergency room. I was getting scared. I went to the ER a few days after the episode and said look, I have been having some bleeding and some pain in my very lower left abdomen on left side, you could almost say it's my upper left pelvic area and so the ER doc did a CT scan with contrast. They put that dye in me. It was an actual more detailed report than I expected from an ER but then again, I can't be sure of that. Basically, the report said everything was unremarkable. No enlarged lymph nodes. No accute inflamatory process on the abdomen or pelvis is what it said at the end. It also noted a "fibroid uterus" that I didn't know that I had. It also listed all of my organs in my mid body, such as my heart, lungs, all that being normal. It even noted my appendix was absent which would be correct since I had an appendectomy. Anyway.

My blood work-. I should mention my white blood count has been out of the normal range for the last few years. It is always between 11 and 16 (normal range is 4 thru 10). Anyway, the current blood work from that ER visit, which was a CBC. My WBC was normal suprisingly, at a 10.5 but of course I know that is still the high end of normal. Anyway, that was my ER visit.

The bleeding happened again on Oct 1st and as the same in September, it only lasted after one bowl movement instead of the two weeks it happened in June. And I really freaked that time, I just mentally couldn't handle anything anymore. We had JUST gotten back home after 3 weeks of being evacuated. So I went to the ER again. They did blood work and my blood work came back normal again. Both doctors said I needed a colonoscopy though of course. Finally I was able to start looking for GI doctors.

I finally found one. The colonoscopy was scheduled for yesterday. To make an incredibly long story short. I did the prep perfectly. But I drank water before the procedure because my paperwork did NOT say I wasn't allowed to and I wasn't to have the colonoscopy. I was in my hospital gown and everything. I had to go back home. Needless to say this has been very upsetting because I was terrified of getting the colonoscopy the whole time only because I am scared to be put under. I am not going to lie, I was already having a little mistrust with the GI doctor that I choose, and this just sealed the deal. I don't understand how they cannot have stated on the instructions *not* to have anything to drink after midnight.

Now here I am, the next day. Not knowing what to do. I am going to cut this off now because I had no idea how long this was going to be. I also I am getting tired to write anymore. I won't be upset at all if no one reads or responds. It helps just getting it off my chest.

My questions are:

If the bleeds are from polyps, does that mean they are turning cancerous? And if so, since all of this started in June, 4 months ago, does that mean it is growing fast?

More background history: Have GERD for the last 5 years. Had thin stoles before but then would return to normal. Have on and off high blood pressure. Took Ib profin for years (NSAIDS). I am so mad at myself for that. I will never, ever take them again. Ever. Anyway, that's all I can think of right now. Thank you so much.

CLD
Posts: 206
Joined: Fri Mar 27, 2015 7:16 pm

Re: New here. Bleeding from bum

Postby CLD » Fri Oct 19, 2018 2:40 pm

The symptoms you describe in your 1st paragraph, including blood dripping on the floor and staining your underwear, are identical to symptoms that sent me to a GI. I wasnt messing ariund with rectal bleeding after watching my husband suffer thriugh cancer treatment.It was determined that I had hemmorhoids (but a scope was done for thoroughness) and I had 3 banding procedures done. When my husband s recurrence was dx, I had constant diarrhea due to the stress, caused myself to get another hemmorhoid, and had another banding procedure done. It wasn't pleasant, but it wasn't horrible either. Hopefully you get the answers that will put your mind at ease.
Wife to DH/ Father of 6 (age 42 at dx) diagnosed Jan 2015 stage IIIC
Tumor deposit in mesentery 13/24 lymph nodes +
CEA at dx: 5
MSS
Low Grade/Mod. Diff.
FOLFOX 6 months
N.E.D until June 2018
PET Scan 6/18
Biopsy confirms cancer in 3 Paraaortic lymph nodes
Folfiri + Avastin (6tx) and Xeloda during radiation
Cancer all over both lungs dx Jan 2019
FOLFIRI +AVASTIN presently

sunflower007
Posts: 21
Joined: Fri Oct 19, 2018 2:29 am

Re: New here. Bleeding from bum

Postby sunflower007 » Fri Oct 19, 2018 3:35 pm

Thank you. I am trying my best to get it checked out asap.

About it might being hemorrhoids, question for anyone. The ER doc I went to in October stuck his finger up my pooper. He said he didn't feel anything. So if he didn't feel anything, there means there's no hemorrhoids there right? I know no one can answer for sure, but if you allow me to pick your brains for a few, I would forever be grateful and pay it forward.

KimT
Posts: 695
Joined: Sat Feb 20, 2010 8:53 pm

Re: New here. Bleeding from bum

Postby KimT » Fri Oct 19, 2018 3:46 pm

We aren’t doctors. We cannot answer those questions. Follow up with the GI doctor and get your colonoscopy.
2/10 dx colon cancer
right hemicolectomy 3/19/10
Stage 2a 0/43 nodes
Lynch syndrome
3/14/10 colon resection/ removal of metal clips
Nov 11 dx ovarian cancer

sunflower007
Posts: 21
Joined: Fri Oct 19, 2018 2:29 am

Re: New here. Bleeding from bum

Postby sunflower007 » Fri Oct 19, 2018 6:38 pm

Yes, I know Kim. And as I mentioned in my inital post, I did seek help from GI specialist and went for my colonoscopy and it was canceled yesterday through no fault of my own. I was literally in the hospital, in a medical gown and hooked up almost ready to go. Now it's going to take a little bit of time before the next colonoscopy. I am just seeking advice, input, other peoples experiences, etc. in the meantime. Nothing that is said here will deter me from getting my colonoscopy as soon as possible or replace medical advice if that is what you are worried about.

KimT
Posts: 695
Joined: Sat Feb 20, 2010 8:53 pm

Re: New here. Bleeding from bum

Postby KimT » Fri Oct 19, 2018 7:49 pm

As we are not doctors, all we can do is speculate on your situation which would be irresponsible. You’ve done the right thing in seeking to get a colonoscopy. Sorry you weren’t able to have it done as scheduled but there really isn’t anything we can say about your situation. Good luck.
2/10 dx colon cancer
right hemicolectomy 3/19/10
Stage 2a 0/43 nodes
Lynch syndrome
3/14/10 colon resection/ removal of metal clips
Nov 11 dx ovarian cancer

Lee
Posts: 6207
Joined: Sun Apr 16, 2006 4:09 pm

Re: New here. Bleeding from bum

Postby Lee » Fri Oct 19, 2018 9:09 pm

sunflower007 wrote:Hello everyone,. . . .
II finally found one. The colonoscopy was scheduled for yesterday. To make an incredibly long story short. I did the prep perfectly. But I drank water before the procedure because my paperwork did NOT say I wasn't allowed to and I wasn't to have the colonoscopy. I was in my hospital gown and everything. I had to go back home. Needless to say this has been very upsetting because I was terrified of getting the colonoscopy the whole time only because I am scared to be put under. I am not going to lie, I was already having a little mistrust with the GI doctor that I choose, and this just sealed the deal. I don't understand how they cannot have stated on the instructions *not* to have anything to drink after midnight.

Now here I am, the next day. Not knowing what to do. I am going to cut this off now because I had no idea how long this was going to be. I also I am getting tired to write anymore. I won't be upset at all if no one reads or responds. It helps just getting it off my chest.

My questions are:

If the bleeds are from polyps, does that mean they are turning cancerous? And if so, since all of this started in June, 4 months ago, does that mean it is growing fast?

More background history: Have GERD for the last 5 years. Had thin stoles before but then would return to normal. Have on and off high blood pressure. Took Ib profin for years (NSAIDS). I am so mad at myself for that. I will never, ever take them again. Ever. Anyway, that's all I can think of right now. Thank you so much.


So sorry this happen to you. Sorry about the water incident. Food or water in your stomach can make you pretty sick when you wake up. In one of my preps, I was pucking from the prep solution. At 10 pm I called my surgeon (doing my scope early the next morn), that's when I learned about looking for a certain yellowish color in my output (permanent colostomy). Anyway prior to be putting out, surgeon asked how I was doing the next morn. Nausea as could be. I could puck on this table, guess they had some tube to stick down my throat if I did indeed puck on that table.

Anyway, please remember, "cancer" is just one possible reasons "OUT OF MANY" that could explain what is happening to you. The fact that you have GERD could be the reason why. Please follow up with that scope, butt during the mean time,try not to worry. Remember a scope will give you a true diagnoses, anything else is just a speculation.

For what it is worth, my years ago, my mother ended up in the ER serious rectal bleeding and stomach pain. Colonoscopy was done, no cancer, not even a polyp, just a bad case of divertriculosis. Change in diet, no more problems.

I had rectal cancer, no real symptoms. Had bleeding hemorrhoids. Every test that should have been a flag for cancer, came back negative or normal. that colonoscopy was my true diagnoses.

So try not to worry, keep us posting, and WELCOME!!

LEE

Edited to add, we actually have a few people around here who were NOT diagnosed with colon cancer, do NOT have any relatives dealing with colon/rectal cancer. They are here, like you because they were SCARED at one time in their life about this cancer!!
When all was said and one, they decided to stick around, so again, WELCOME, feel free to hang around!!
rectal cancer - April 2004
46 yrs old at diagnoses
stage III C - 6/13 lymph positive
radiation - 6 weeks
surgery - August 2004/hernia repair 2014
permanent colostomy
chemo - FOLFOX
NED - 16 years and counting!

sunflower007
Posts: 21
Joined: Fri Oct 19, 2018 2:29 am

Re: New here. Bleeding from bum

Postby sunflower007 » Fri Oct 19, 2018 9:12 pm

Thank you so much Lee, very kind of you to share your story and also forgot to thank CLD. It helps more than you know.

User avatar
CRguy
Posts: 10473
Joined: Sun Feb 10, 2008 6:00 pm

Re: New here. Bleeding from bum

Postby CRguy » Fri Oct 19, 2018 9:39 pm

Lee wrote:Edited to add, we actually have a few people around here who were NOT diagnosed with colon cancer, do NOT have any relatives dealing with colon/rectal cancer. They are here, like you because they were SCARED at one time in their life about this cancer!!
When all was said and one, they decided to stick around, so again, WELCOME, feel free to hang around!!


Actually this IS a support forum and it seems you have gotten some !!!!

SO when you get your issues worked out please post in and let folks know the results

if you DON'T have CRC ... effing good news for you !
if you do we are here for that discussion ... but .... BUTT ...

part of this forum's mission is dedicated to raising awareness for CRC, especially in those under 50 years of age

We have heard your kind of story a thousand times
some of us who have been thru the wringer may not have as much tolerance for
" OMG OMG I see blood I am dying ! "
NOT you I am overexaggerating here .... :shock:
BUTT we do get a number of these types of posts

BUTT ... when the dust settles and a NON cancer diagnosis is given ...
YOU have raised awareness in your own way by being concerned and proactive
and believe ME ....
WE ALL feel relieved you have NOT had to join us because you HAD TO

you came seeking understanding and support because you needed to find us.
Like Lee said we are here for you and you will be here for us


WORD !

CRguy on the Journey
Caregiver x 4
Stage IV A rectal cancer/lung met
17 Year survivor
my life is an ongoing totally randomized UNcontrolled experiment with N=1 !
Review of my Journey so far

sunflower007
Posts: 21
Joined: Fri Oct 19, 2018 2:29 am

Re: New here. Bleeding from bum

Postby sunflower007 » Fri Oct 19, 2018 10:23 pm

Thank you guys so much for your warm welcome, thank you, thank you, thank you!

And thank you for inviting me to stay no matter what my results are, that' pretty dang awesome. Thank you.....

And I definitely WILL post my results! I actually was going to say that I will definitely post what my results are either way in my inital post but absolutely forgot to. Rest assure I never leave a post open ended!

sunflower007
Posts: 21
Joined: Fri Oct 19, 2018 2:29 am

Re: New here. Bleeding from bum

Postby sunflower007 » Sat Oct 20, 2018 12:45 am

I do have a question maybe you all could answer for me.

I think I have decided to change doctors and go with another GI because of the last recent incident. I do not have trust anymore in the doctor I was going to have the colonoscopy with.

So the new GI I am going to go with does a different bowel prep than the one that I like which was the miralax and gatorade with dulcolax (sp?). Do you think they will allow me to do another bowel prep than the one they offer? Also, since I already did a bowel prep this past Wednesday, and my sigmoid is feeling sore from that still, the same area that has been sore non stop for months now, how long should I wait to do another bowel prep for a colonoscopy? Because if I don't have polyps and what in fact is gonig on with me is diverticulosis or -itis, I don't want to get them all infected or risk a bowel perforation from doing another bowel prep, especially so soon. Because my cecum is starting to hurt too. It hurts every once in a while when my sigmoid is really sore.

heiders33
Posts: 363
Joined: Sat Nov 04, 2017 11:08 am

Re: New here. Bleeding from bum

Postby heiders33 » Sat Oct 20, 2018 5:37 am

I can’t answer the question about the soreness, but I do think they will allow you to use a different bowel prep. I had a colonoscopy yesterday (clear!) and I used Suprep. I got so nauseated and ended up vomiting it back up after the second dose. When I told the nurse this she said to talk to the doctor about using a different prep next time. So I think it is possible, especially if you have an adverse reaction to one type.
40 year-old female
May 2017: Dx rectal cancer T3N2M0
MSS, KRAS G12D
6/17: 28 days chemorad
9/17: LAR/loop ileostomy, CAPOX six rounds
3/18: reversal
9/18: liver met, resection/HAI pump, 11 rounds 5FU, 1 round FUDR
11/19 - local recurrence, brachytherapy, 3 weeks targeted radiation
12/21 - end colostomy

sunflower007
Posts: 21
Joined: Fri Oct 19, 2018 2:29 am

Re: New here. Bleeding from bum

Postby sunflower007 » Sat Oct 20, 2018 10:24 am

heiders33 wrote:I can’t answer the question about the soreness, but I do think they will allow you to use a different bowel prep. I had a colonoscopy yesterday (clear!) and I used Suprep. I got so nauseated and ended up vomiting it back up after the second dose. When I told the nurse this she said to talk to the doctor about using a different prep next time. So I think it is possible, especially if you have an adverse reaction to one type.


Ah, I finally learned how to quote.

Yes, I think that is what this GI uses, Surpep. And the nausea and vomitting is exactly the reason I don't want to use it. I read a lot of stories about that Surprep. When I did the Gatorade and Miralax on Wednesday, I was so surprised that it wasn't that bad at all and cleaned me out so good. The only thing that happened, is my bum (anus) got sooooooooooooooooooooo sore, that I was in tears for 2 hours! That HURT like nobodies business. I know how to avoid that now. I will be putting diaper rash cream on before the prep even starts and wiping very gentley.

And yay! that your colonoscopy was clear. Such wonderful news. Woot!

heiders33
Posts: 363
Joined: Sat Nov 04, 2017 11:08 am

Re: New here. Bleeding from bum

Postby heiders33 » Sat Oct 20, 2018 10:51 am

I would think that, if the other prep worked for you, they would let you use it! If it gets your colon cleaned out, then that’s all that matters. I would like to use your prep next time.
40 year-old female
May 2017: Dx rectal cancer T3N2M0
MSS, KRAS G12D
6/17: 28 days chemorad
9/17: LAR/loop ileostomy, CAPOX six rounds
3/18: reversal
9/18: liver met, resection/HAI pump, 11 rounds 5FU, 1 round FUDR
11/19 - local recurrence, brachytherapy, 3 weeks targeted radiation
12/21 - end colostomy

DarknessEmbraced
Posts: 3816
Joined: Sat Nov 01, 2014 4:54 pm
Facebook Username: Riann Fletcher
Location: New Brunswick, Canada

Re: New here. Bleeding from bum

Postby DarknessEmbraced » Tue Oct 23, 2018 12:20 pm

I'm sorry you're going through this!*hugs* Yes, the GI should allow you to do a different prep. I hope you won't have to wait long to have your colonoscopy. Good luck!*hugs*
Diagnosed 10/28/14, age 36
Colon Resection 11/20/14, LAR (no illeo)
Stage 2a colon cancer, T3NOMO
Lymph-vascular invasion undetermined
0/22 lymph nodes
No chemo, no radiation
Clear Colonoscopy 04/29/15
NED 10/20/15
Ischemic Colitis 01/21/16
NED 11/10/16
CT Scan moved up due to high CEA 08/21/17
NED 09/25/17
NED 12/21/18
Clear colonoscopy 09/23/19
Clear 5 year scans 11/21/19- Considered cured! :)


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