rectal pressure, blood on stool, cea

[Koreysue]

Hey all,
I have been noticing rectal pressure/ almost pain feeling after bowel movements or long walks.
This evening there was blood on my stool but not on toilet paper, and no pain.
Also my cea was up a bit above my normal. Scary doesn’t begin to cover it.

Anyone ever have a similar experience that happened to be a false alarm, like hemorrhoids?
My last colonoscopy was 2 years ago, and clear, aside form a hemorrhoid. (really hoping its that...a hemorrhoid would be ideal)
Could it be a local recurrence? I didn’t think polyps grow fast enough to cause bleeding in 2 years.
I’m scared to get any procedure done right now because of covid, which adds another layer of fear.
Thoughts?
Ksue

[beach sunrise]

Anything not normal is very scary and add covid on top and its borderline terrifying. I get you there!
I have 4 appts I have to go to the hospital for and I am scared.

[Koreysue]

Anything not normal is very scary and add covid on top and its borderline terrifying. I get you there!
I have 4 appts I have to go to the hospital for and I am scared.

Thank you for your reply. The sight of the blood was so triggering, and I am out of anxiety meds. Hardly ever take them but took the last one on CEA results day.
I’ll just have to call the doctor tomorrow because I know i shouldn’t ignore it.
Thinking of you with all your appointments
Ksue

[beach sunrise]

Yes, call the dr and let us know what they are going to do. Be brave if you have to go in and know its for your best health.
Crazy as it sounds I was thinking when I go in I will limit my breathing by holding as long as possible between breaths, put neosporin on each nostril, wear ballcap pulled down to my eyebrows, safety glasses and mask. Whew, its going to be alot to get my feet moving to walk in there.
I'm thinking of you also!
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving aside from all that going on.

[Koreysue]

Yes, call the dr and let us know what they are going to do. Be brave if you have to go in and know its for your best health.
Crazy as it sounds I was thinking when I go in I will limit my breathing by holding as long as possible between breaths, put neosporin on each nostril, wear ballcap pulled down to my eyebrows, safety glasses and mask. Whew, its going to be alot to get my feet moving to walk in there.
I'm thinking of you also!
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving aside from all that going on.

Thank you so much. I like your safety plan! It really helps to have this site so I remember I’m not alone.
Ksue

[DarknessEmbraced]

I'm sorry you're dealing with that.*hugs* I would call your doctor to be safe.

[boxhill]

I've been to both doctor's offices and the hospital in the last month. All of these facilities are VERY careful and follow meticulous procedures.

[Koreysue]

I'm sorry you're dealing with that.*hugs* I would call your doctor to be safe.

Thank you. I know you are dealing with similar stress now too. I will call and see what they say.
Ksue

[Koreysue]

I've been to both doctor's offices and the hospital in the last month. All of these facilities are VERY careful and follow meticulous procedures.

Thank you for the reassurance, that does help. I’ll keep your words in mind if I have to go in.
Ksue

[Punky44]

Thinking of you!

I get the fear to go to the hospital—but I do think most are being very safe. I am worried about my mom’s upcoming check up in December but when I weigh the risk of postponing it, I think I worry more about that. I would let your doctor’s thoughts guide you on this one.

[roadrunner]

Hemmorhoids cause both tenesmus and bleeding. And you had a hemorrhoid. I did have tenesmus after exercise (running 4-5 Miles) with my RC, but not until the last couple *months* of an estimated 7-yr. lifespan (and it was a bulky tumor). Same story with bleeding. So I think it’s unlikely that the symptoms you’re having are related to a tumor. The recent colonoscopy appears to be reassuring in that regard. That said, I agree it’s worth getting checked out just to be sure.

As far as COVID goes, I have done chemo, checkups, blood tests, a surgery, and office visits during the pandemic. My two cents: Get a good mask and wear it (N95s are best, but regular surgical masks are close), but be attentive around others. Notice if they are wearing masks, and wearing them right (NOT below the nose). Do not be ashamed or sensitive about “weird” behavior. I keep my distance, rarely sit down unless I have to. I’ve moved away from folks who were coughing or eating (no mask).
Be conscious of what you’re touching (esp. high touch stuff like handles and elevator buttons) and use sanitizer liberally. I get rid of ALL clothes as soon as I get home, and wash them. The biggest key is to avoid long, close conversations or interactions if possible. Masks are essential for those that are necessary. But all that said, I think the risk is generally low in cancer facilities (also in most other health care settings (barring ERs and COVID areas), especially if you’re careful. Just best to be aware and take care.

[Koreysue]

Hemmorhoids cause both tenesmus and bleeding. And you had a hemorrhoid. I did have tenesmus after exercise (running 4-5 Miles) with my RC, but not until the last couple *months* of an estimated 7-yr. lifespan (and it was a bulky tumor). Same story with bleeding. So I think it’s unlikely that the symptoms you’re having are related to a tumor. The recent colonoscopy appears to be reassuring in that regard. That said, I agree it’s worth getting checked out just to be sure.

As far as COVID goes, I have done chemo, checkups, blood tests, a surgery, and office visits during the pandemic. My two cents: Get a good mask and wear it (N95s are best, but regular surgical masks are close), but be attentive around others. Notice if they are wearing masks, and wearing them right (NOT below the nose). Do not be ashamed or sensitive about “weird” behavior. I keep my distance, rarely sit down unless I have to. I’ve moved away from folks who were coughing or eating (no mask).
Be conscious of what you’re touching (esp. high touch stuff like handles and elevator buttons) and use sanitizer liberally. I get rid of ALL clothes as soon as I get home, and wash them. The biggest key is to avoid long, close conversations or interactions if possible. Masks are essential for those that are necessary. But all that said, I think the risk is generally low in cancer facilities (also in most other health care settings (barring ERs and COVID areas), especially if you’re careful. Just best to be aware and take care.

Thanks RoadRunner
I am hoping it is hemorhoid related.
I will definitely take all the precautions. I was diagnosed with OCD prior to cancer which heightened my paranoia and now covid- good times for a germaphope
You are probably right that they are being extra cautious in a cancer dept.
Thank you for your response
Ksue

[Koreysue]

Hey all, UPDATE
I called my doc and he wants me to have a CT becuase of he rectal bleeding. I got the call from the nurse right at closing time so I was not able to ask too many questions.
I was not aware that a standard CT would detect anything in a colon. Maybe it will be CT colography, although nothing was specified in that regard. I am suppose to call to schedule it tomorrow.
Do any of you know if a standard CT can see colon tumors?
Thanks in advance for any info
Ksue

[CRguy]

Sending best wishes !!!!

A CT with contrast is a good imaging protocol and should be a good screening for your issues.

Cheers
CRguy

[Koreysue]

Sending best wishes !!!!

A CT with contrast is a good imaging protocol and should be a good screening for your issues.

Cheers
CRguy

Thanks for the response, CRguy. I will be glad when I know what is going on.
Ksue