Blood in your stool; what do you do?

[sassym]

Hi guys!
I just came back from a not so wonderful family vacation and I know I've got another bleed. Usually I bleed from low enough in the colon that the blood is still red and recognizable. This time however, it must be from much higher up because the stools are black and hard. I'm expecting a call from my doctor's nurse tomorrow anyway so I will definitely be reporting this, but I'm curious; do you guys report every bleed? Or only those that are worse than others or prolonged? If the nurse wasn't calling tomorrow I wouldn't know whether or not I was supposed to call and tell them I'm bleeding again or not.
My symptoms are worse, but not awful and the doc already knows that much. It's just that I was not bleeding when I lasts say her, and now I am.
Let me know what you guys would do or how you handle this symptom. I would really appreciate any and all answers and advice!
Thanks in advance!!

 

[Hope345]

Yes, you should definately report this.
I change in color can be very serious and should be checked.

My daughter bleeds in the same area and says that she has started to see darker blood as well. She is 15 and hasnt let me see it, but it is of great concern.

She has gotten so much better since we put her on a very strict diet and has been taking herbs, vitamins and minerals prescribed by her naturalpath. However she continues to use her cortifoam which has always helped.

Bleeding does mean there is active Crohns or UC. (if that is what you have been diagnosed with)

Best to you and let us know what your doctor suggests for you. Your symptoms are real and need attention asap.

 

[sassym]

Thanks for the reply Hope345! I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in 2010. Two weeks ago my doctor confirmed that, yes indeed, my disease was active again, and now refractory/steroid dependent. I'm starting Imuran Wednesday (and to be honest a little freaked out). I'm glad you think busboys be concerned be cause I am! It's just that sometimes my doctor makes me feel like I get excited over nothing. I'll report it to the nurse tomorrow. Thank you again!

 

[Hope345]

your welcome.
You know your body better than anyone. And I personally think most people on this site learn more than the doctors

I have learned so much from others on this site.

If you havent started one yet, start keeping a journal of all the foods that seem to bother you, all of your symptoms and how you feel. also get copies of all of your test results. It can be time consuming, but you are your best advocate and can help more than you think.

If we were to go back, i think I would have added the Imuran from the beginning for a short period of time. I heard it helps the Remicade (which is what are daughter had 13 treatments of). It is all to help you get back on track. hopefully you can get off of all of them in a year or two and move on to more natural meds (if possible).

It sounds like you are in a serious flare and need the big guns right now.

Not sure why your doctor makes you feel like you are getting excited over nothing... you might just mention that to them. I know most doctors appreciate all info but want to help you stay calm at the same time. I think it is normal to be concerned about a flare and starting a new big medication. I have "freaked" out several times over having to make those kinds of decisions for our daughter and watch her go through flare after flare.....

I have called doctors in almost hysterics demanding something be done immediately. This is a serious disease and needs constant watching.

take care and keep us updated

 

[Danico85]

Hi Sassym

When you have IBD, bleeding means your inflammation is active. You should always have this checked out (usually a scope) and probably put on steroids.

Thats whats happened every time ive bled.

Nicky

 

[rickm37]

I've been wondering myself. Ive been out of the hospital for a week now and overnight last night was awful. I was up every hour with bloody diarhea and am wondering if it is because i ate a salad with just iceberg lettuce and tomato. I'm hoping it was all the fiber. I have my 1st post hospital GI appt this Monday and I have a few pages of questions for him. If anyone can shed any more light on this I would appreciate it. In the short time since I've joined this sight I've learned so much from all of you and am truly thankful and blessed I've found it. Thank you all

 

[Danico85]

My consultant keeps telling me when i mention food that when not flairing you can eat what you like. When you are flairing you will grow intolerant to many foods.

So far he has been spot on.

So when im bleeding i tend to eat lots of bland food until the steroids kick in then i go back to eating what i want.

 

[Trysha]

Bleeding should always be reported quickly to your doctors and sometimes it is better not to wait for the next appointment.Give the doctor a call and the next step is for them to take.
It can be serious and needs urgent attention.
I would not be waiting till next week, report it now and its up to the docs to take action as they see necessary.
Hugs and best wishes

Trysha

 

[Danico85]

In my personal experience. bleeding colon doesnt just dissapear with normal anti inflammatorys. The most likely outcome will be Pred steroids. I dont understand why some people dont want to go on them. they are a life saver and you feel great on them. loads of energy and great appetite so dont worry about them.

 

[sassym]

Thank you all for the replies! I'm glad to hear that you all think it's important to let the doctor know right away. As I said I'm expecting a call from the nurse today to I will definitely be letting her know! I've been on prednisone for two weeks now already and I still developed a bleed. What do you suppose they'll do now if steroids are the usual treatment? I've been on a bland diet, soft diet because most foods irritate me when my symptoms are active; do I maybe need to go more toward clear liquids instead for awhile?

 

[Danico85]

Can i ask how much pred your on?

took me weeks for the blood to stop but i upped my tablets first because the 6 they gave me per day wasnt enough.

 

[sassym]

Oh wow 6 a day? I'm on 30mgs a day so that's 3 tabs. Maybe that's what they'll do then is increase the dose. I hate prednisone. I love the way I feel on it, but I'm one of the atypical patients that gains weight with Crohn's rather than loosing it. I've got tons of excess fluid and the prednisone just packs more on. Couple that with fatigue and I feel like the outside world just sees a fat,lazy, lump. I've never been lazy a day in my life! I work two jobs and just put myself through nursing school with two kids under five. That might be the worst part of it all for me to handle. People not understanding why I've gained so much and don't have the energy to do the things I used to do. That's why I hate prednisone; the weight gain.

 

[sassym]

So I just got off the phone with my doctor and they want me to start the Imuran today instead of tomorrow and increase my dose of prednisone to 40mgs. Is he also wants me to start a clear liquid only diet to rest he bowel and follow up in two days.

 

[Trysha]

Good for you.It was the right thing to do, calling your doc .

 

[Danico85]

Hi Sassym

You have just described me there. Im one of the unlucky ones (or lucky, depending on which way you look at it) that gains weight with crohns. Before i was diagnosed i lost 3 stones but as soon as i got put on the steroids i gained it back.. and more lol

i always feel tired and have asked the doctor for a vitamin b12 booster injection but he basically just called me lazy haha

my last flair i actually ended up taking 8 steroids a day and had a real craving for pizza!

anyway, im glad you called your doctor and i wish you all the best, im sure it will be fine