I'm terrified...again!

[VILLEFAN4]

  I kinda want to post this annonymously because it is very embarrassing and gross.  so i'm sorry in advance.  i was onced loosley diognosed with ibs.  but for the last several days i've been having some pretty bad pain in my lower left abdomin and my lower back.  i've also had some constipation with the passing of what i think is a brownish mucous.  well this morning the moucous had blood in it.  of course i googled and now it could be signs of cancer.   i'm pretty sure it is and i don't feel like i have it in me to fight.  this pain has kept me from sleeping at night.  please respond.  i need your thoughts no matter what they are.  even the scarey ones.  thanks

[ocdengineer]

If the blood was red and in a small amount it is probably caused by wiping frequently or a small fissure, neither of which is dangerous.  If there is a LOT of blood, and I am talking, fill the toilet lot then you need to go to a doctor immediately.  If your stools are black and tarry consistently then it could be a sign of a bleeding ulcer and should see a doctor.  I also have IBS and can tell you that in the last two weeks I have probably had about 3-4 bloody stools that were relatively loose due to my anxiety and IBS which usually go hand in hand.  Unless it is a LOT of blood or black stools consistently with blood then I wouldn't worry too much.  If it becomes a daily event, then you should probably go get it checked out, but I would be willing to bet it is your IBS acting up on you again.  It is the worst symptom I have from anxiety.  Gas-X will help with the bloating and stomach pain and Prilosec can stop heart burn if you have that issue as well.

God luck,
OE

[VILLEFAN4]

ocdengineer...thank you so much for your quick reply.  it absolutely helps.  i do have acid reflux and i take protonix for it.  the blood is bright red and was mixed with moucus or something in the toilet paper.  do you ever get lower back pain with it?

[ocdengineer]

I don't personally get lower back pain, but I do get lots of stomach cramping and pain in my stomach.  Lower back pain would not surprise me though as we are all built a little different.  Anyway, IBS is probably what is plaguing you and I wish I could give you a solid way to defeat this one, but I have not found one yet.  LOL. 

It sucks, but it is really the worst symptom of my anxiety disorder still.  Even when my anxiety is low my stomach can send me into an anxious state and that is something I have to solve.  I do meditate for relaxation purposes, but that helps more with my mental ability to reject intrusive thoughts and the such and not as much with the physical symptoms of IBS.  The Gas-X and Prilosec does help some though and it is enough so that I am not bothered all the time.  If you do find something that works exceptional by all means share it with me. 

No problem on the response.  That is what we are here for!

Take care,
OE

[blondie]

I have had a TINY bit of blood on the TP before, from a tear or something that goes away.  I have also had the mucus stuff you talk about.  But I had read it is part of IBS.   :laugh3:Joys!

[lou_]

I used to bleed a bit when i went to the loo, but i went to the doc and she said that i just need to eat more fruit and veg and more fibre! It's gone away now, so thats good :)

[VILLEFAN4]

  O.k....Now what?  I went to my doc and told her about what has been going on with my bowel movements,  with the mucous tinged with blood and she was noticably shocked and said that mucous is not a part of ibs.  i also have the back pain and feel nousious alot.  she is sending me for a colonoscopoy.  i had one 3 years ago.  all was fine.  could cancer have developed in 3 years?  yes, i am freaking out.  she said it also could be an infection, colitis,  IBD.   i want to give up and just curl up in a ball until i die.   

[retrogurl88]

The blood tinged mucus could be hemmroids. Just a thought.

[ocdengineer]

The simplest solution is usually the right one, right?  So you probably have IBS, but definitely get the colonoscopy to check it out.  That will definitely give you a definitive answer and you can get back to living.  Did your last colonoscopy result from the same symptoms or were they different then?

Take care and in the meantime eat more fruits and veggies and see what happens.

Later,
OE