questions about internal hemorrhoids and colon cancer?
i had rectal bleeding for a couple of years but was to worried/embarrassed to say anything about it. then after having my 1st baby i told myself you need to tell the doctor. so i did and they told me to get a colonascopy (sorry dont know how to spell it)to be on the safe side.
i found out i had internal hemorrhoids. that was in Jan 07 i was 23yrs old. now i have been having bleeding again blood on the paper in the toilet water (almost like a period but not as heavy) (bright red blood) no blood in the stool. so the doc wants to send for another colonascopy.
the first test 2.5years ago showed only internal hemorrhoids and nothing else.
so my questions are…
can internal hemorrhoids cause bleeding like that?
since i had one 2.5 years ago i should be ok? right or how long does it take colon cancer to appear?
i had another baby in feb 2009 but this one was a c-section could that be causing any of my problems?
im just really scarred and i need to hear what you guys think and or have gone through!!!
thanks
Tagged with: blood in the stool • c section • colon cancer • colonascopy • first test • hemorrhoids • internal hemorrhoids • red blood • safe side • toilet water
Filed under: Hemorrhoid Questions
angie (68)
Its probably still internal hemmies. Bright red blood indicates that it is in the lower part of the intestine and not something further up, where cancer usually is. Yes, they can bleed like a mutha. Get the colonoscopy, but don’t do an ounce of worrying until you have something to worry about. Worrying won’t change the outcome. Good luck.
I can’t answer all of your questions, but yes, internal hemmorhoids can cause a decent amount of bleeding, especially after straining from a bowel movement or something.
One of the first signs of colon cancer is a consistent change in bowel habits, so if you’re ever concerned, monitor those. Whether you’re having them, a lot less, a lot more, its more runny, etc. just monitor it. If you have a couple episodes of diarrhea, I wouldn’t run to the doctor, but if you have the same change for about a week, it would be something to mention to the doctor.
I think you’ll be fine though!!
Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
Many people with colon cancer experience no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. When symptoms appear, they’ll likely vary, depending on the cancer’s size and location in your large intestine.
Signs and symptoms of colon cancer include:
* A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool for more than a couple of weeks
* Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
* Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
* Abdominal pain with a bowel movement
* A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely
* Weakness or fatigue
* Unexplained weight loss
Blood in your stool may be a sign of cancer, but it can also indicate other conditions. Bright red blood you notice on bathroom tissue more commonly comes from hemorrhoids or minor tears (fissures) in your anus, for example. In addition, certain foods, such as beets or red licorice, can turn your stools red. Iron supplements and some anti-diarrheal medications may make stools black. Still, it’s best to have any sign of blood or change in your stools checked promptly by your doctor because it can be a sign of something more serious.