Has anyone had any intestinal problems such as polyps, internal hemoroids, or something more terrible like cancer or crohns disease? I'm 25 years old. I have been experience bloody stools for a while now. It got worse when I was pregnant last year. Recently it has gotten worse. (almost like the first day of my period when I wipe.). That is about the only symptom I've had. It does hurt when I use the bathroom, but other than that I do not have any adbdominal discomfort or anything. My appetite is fine, and I'm surely NOT losing any weight! :)... I'm planning to go to a specialist this week. Does anyone have any recommendations?
Of course I fear the worst. I don't havea o of time or money to spend on a lotoy!of doctor's appointments. Should I request a colonoscopy on my first visit? Thanks for the help. sorry so graphic.
I doubt you have crohns as it is really painful and not just when you're going to the bathroom.
You probably have internal hemorroids. Going to the GI is the right thing.
You most likely have internal hemmorrhoids...though you should still see a doctor to rule anything else out. When I was 27...I had a lot of bleeding like you described...I too that that something horrible was happening. My daughter was 5 months old at the time.
I did have a Flex Sigmoidoscopy....like a colonoscopy..though they do not need to sedate you. It is not as bad as you think...trust me...ever since my first child, I've had bad hemmorrhoid problems. I was told at the time and have been told since (this problem came back after each pregnancy and whenever constipated)...that bright red blood is MUCH better than dark red..which means that it traveled farther and indicated problems farther up the GI tract...bright red usually means hemmorhoids).
But again.....see your doctor.
Have you seen your regular doctor? They may be able to help. I did go to Dr. Cloud (love the name!@$#) in Dallas....he is a colon-rectal doctor...very good.
Also..to help now....trust me I have been through this MORE times than I care to admit....
Sit in a shallow warm (not hot) tub of water a few times a day..I would put my baby in her bouncer seat along side the tub, take an anti-inflammatory like Alleve or Motrin (if you are allowed to), drink a lot of water and buy an over the counter stool softener (they are just pills you take as directed..help keep your stool soft therefore helps to reduce the swelling of the hemmorrhoids)....
Bless your heart. I remember feeling just the way you described...I really would not lose any sleep just yet. I just use humor that the hemmorrhoids are gifts from my kids (pregnancy) that just keep on giving!!
Good luck!
J.,
I am glad you are going to a specialist. I hope it is a gastroenterologist, that is who you need to see.
I have crohn's disease and your story sound similar to mine when I first discovered it.
For now cut out all milk product. I controll mine now with diet alone by not eating milk product or pork. Everyone is different but that works for me.
It sounds like you have a colonoscopy in your near future.
Best wishes. I hope for the best for you.
You probably just have hemorrhoids, BUT you definitely MUST go see a GI or colorectal specialist. I would request a colonoscopy by all means (though I'm sure your specialist will recommend one anyway). Both my husband and I have had a colonoscopy (we're in our mid-30s). It's honestly not bad, and you really shouldn't be embarrassed because they see bottoms all the time! :)
Please don't hesitate seeing a specialist and getting evaluated. If he/she doesn't recommend a colonoscopy, I'd go to someone who would. My sister-in-law died of colon cancer when she was only 32 years-old AND my father-in-law is currently losing his battle with stage IV colon cancer (they are NOT blood-related...this gal was married to my husband's brother)! Colon cancer is sooo curable if you catch it before it spreads! Unfortunately, both of my family members tragically did not have colonoscopies when they had early symptoms (my sister-in-law was pregnant when her symptoms started, and my father-in-law was misdiagnosed several times by a general family practicioner who never recommended a colonoscopy).
Just so you don't worry yourself to death waiting for your colonoscopy result: both of my family members had no pain when they went to the bathroom. You probably just have hemorrhoids or an anal fissure, but please make sure by getting a colonoscopy! Best of luck to you!!!
I suggest you read about this http://www.mercola.com/2002/oct/5/dangerous_grains.htm There have been many links to problems with intestines to be a wheat allergy. Now I don't know what your diet is like but its worth looking into. Also if its a hemorroid that will clear up with lots of fiber and water, and possibly a good detox . Great eating habits is always the best place to start. Hope this helps!
Sounds like hemrroids; they get worse with pregnancy. If you do any lifting or straining, that can cause them to bleed (and with small children, there's alot of bending, stooping, lifting and straining) Seeing a GI is your best bet; he can diagnose and treat the problem before it gets worse, and it can get worse. Hang in there; you'll be fine in no time.
I use to work for a GI & the Dr. kept making comments about how much he was seeing younger people coming into his office now a days. GI's will not give you a colonoscopy on the first visit. A colonoscopy is done in a hospital or out patient facility. Two days before you have a follow a special diet.
The first sign you see blood in your stool you should see a Dr. as soon as possible. It's not normal to have blood. Sometimes people don't get enough fiber in their diet therefore they have hard stools which can tear the anal area & cause blood. But from what you're talking about it seems it's much worse than just a tear. It could be an ulcer, etc. Definitely see a Dr. soon. If your insurance allows it see a GI doctor first. Don't go to your regular PCP.
Hope it's not serious!!
Take care!!
well it sounds like you may have hemmrhoids. especially since it got worse when you were pregnant. that is sometimes the only time in life that some women get hemmrhoid, when they are pregnant. they of course cause pain w/ bm and a anywhere from a sm-moderate amount of bleeding. as far as you rquesting a colonoscopy on your first visit, you can give it a try, but most physicians are not going to order test beacause a pt. w/ no med. knowledge rquest it. they order meds and prodecures as they feel they are medically neccessary. believe me, your md is not going to try a colonoscopy as the first step. he or she will try ruling certain conditions out through meds first. good luck.
Sounds like hemorrhoids. It's completely normal and nothing to be embarrassed about. Go see your doctor. He/she will likely give you a prescription steriod suppository or cream to help with the inflammation in the area. Not a big deal :) Other things you can do to prevent them from recurring or getting worse include making sure you are having regular BM's that are not too hard. You can do this by eating plenty of fiber and drinking lots of fluids (especially water). Hope this helps you out. Good luck!
