Passing blood

[Mintphoenix]

Hi guys,

I'm just a bit scared at the moment.

I have suffered constipation on and off with my Crohn's and have been under a lot of stress over the last couple of days so it's been pretty bad.

Last night I passed blood instead of stool and it happened once again this morning. After that I did pass stool and there was little to no blood.

I saw my GP and they ran me through a bunch of questions, checks and a urine test to make sure there wasn't blood there.

She didn't get any blood in the urine and said as the blood I'm passing is bright red it is not from the crohn's as it would be a darker shade. She believes it's because of the constipation. She did advise me if it didn't improve or got worse I should present at the hospital.

I just went to the toilet as I felt the need to go and only passed blood. I don't think it has gotten worse, but as this has never occurred to me before I am starting to freak out badly.

I have started taking some movicol so I know that everything will be starting to be pushed through my system. Does it sound right that as things get pushed through it would irritate the part that is bleeding and really is just a constipation thing?

I'm just scared it is the Crohn's anyway.

I have called the IBD nurse at my hospital and left a message asking fer her to call me back about this, but I just don't know what to do.

 

[cmack]

I think you would be best to go back to the doctor if more blood or pain happens. That is what I would do myself. There is something strange going on.


I wish you the best,

cmack

 

[ronroush7]

I would get to a doctor quickly. Please let us know how you are doing. Support and prayers.

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

Yes, it does sound like flare material. Since you've been in that much stress, your body is letting you know about it. I'd keep a watch on it. Is there anything you normally do different during a flare? Such as, eating different or something that might calm your stomach down some.

I know it's easier said than done. But, if it helps some, I too bleed from the back end when I flare. I don't always use my canasa, but when I see blood I begin using it before things get too bad. I also sometimes break out my cross-stitch because it calms and destresses me. Please keep us updated.

 

[Mintphoenix]

Thanks for your response. I'm not really getting pain with it so that is a bonus.

I received a call back from the IBD nurse at the hospital and we had a long discussion regarding it.

She confirmed what my GP said and has arranged for me to come in and have a blood test for inflammation levels and a stool test. She also advised if it gets bad and I start getting pain with it to present at the hospital.

It's too late in the afternoon so I won't really be able to make it there before they close. Anyway the laboratory wouldn't be able to get around to testing it before the weekend even if I could make it to the clinic before they close today.

So after talking with the nurse (who didn't seem worried) I'm going to keep an eye on myself over the weekend and present at the hospital if needed, otherwise I'll duck in and get the tests done first thing on Monday before I go to work.

Fingers crossed that is good enough and my body does fix itself as the constipation resolves.

 

[Mintphoenix]

Yes, it does sound like flare material. Since you've been in that much stress, your body is letting you know about it. I'd keep a watch on it. Is there anything you normally do different during a flare? Such as, eating different or something that might calm your stomach down some.

I know it's easier said than done. But, if it helps some, I too bleed from the back end when I flare. I don't always use my canasa, but when I see blood I begin using it before things get too bad. I also sometimes break out my cross-stitch because it calms and destresses me. Please keep us updated.

I only have flared once really when I was first being diagnosed. While I haven't been in remission I haven't been all that bad. So I'm not 100% sure what I need to do for myself during this.

I do have a couple of special things I eat when I'm having off days so I always keep a stock of them in case needed.

I'll take it easy this weekend. I like to crochet, curl up and watch movies and snuggle with my furbabies (as I feel up to it). So I think I'll make those my plans for the weekend.

Thank you guys for your comments and support. I can't express how much I appreciate it.

 

[dejavucandace]

I have had bright red bleeding for 8 months now. With or without pain and I have always had more of a difficult time to pass stool. It always feels like there is something hindering it. And at times it was excruciating painful to eliminate. But so far I have yet to be given any treatment for it. I did however have 2 colonoscopies in that time period and have ruled out cancer. Biopsies showed chronic ulcerated colon. My guess is you have at least one ulcer in your colon to be getting bright red blood...as I do also. I have read that if it is bright red it is coming from the intestines. If it is darker it is coming from the stomach. Hope you get some answers.

 

[Cat-a-Tonic]

Bright red blood can also come from internal hemorrhoids - they can bleed a lot or a little, and they can sometimes hurt or sometimes not. Did your GP check your anorectal area to see if there are any hemorrhoids?

If it is an internal hemorrhoid, you can ask your doctor for steroid suppositories as those can help a bit. A sitz bath might also help. When you're on the toilet, try not to strain, and what I was told is try not to sit on the toilet for longer than 2 minutes at a time (I know that's sometimes easier said than done).

Crocheting sounds like a good plan to me. I think my weekend is going to be similar. What are you crocheting? I've been working on a blanket in shades of blue - I'm using stripes of royal blue, turquoise, and a light teal. It's really pretty so far, I'm almost halfway done with it.

 

[dejavucandace]

I do have hemorrhoids and have been on suppositories which have helped a lot but I do know that my blood is from deeper than that. I have the pictures of the ulcers. But I guess we all have such different issues its very hard to know exactly what is what.

BTW....I love to crochet also and it is very relaxing! I am working on a scrap afghan at the moment myself.

 

[Cat-a-Tonic]

We need to start a crochet club on the forum! I was so ill last year, I had my worst flare ever, and I was hospitalized and then off of work for about a month. But I hate to just sit around and do nothing, as that makes me feel sort of worthless, so when I was home recuperating, I crocheted a LOT. I ended up making multiple blankets for xmas gifts for family members. I believe I made 5 blankets. I gave all but one away as gifts, didn't know what to do with the last one - and then my boss had to go in for major surgery last month, so I gave her the last blanket as a get well soon gift. Don't know yet what I'm going to do with the blanket I'm working on now, but I'm sure I'll figure it out.

I love scrap afghans too! I have one on my bed right now that I made a couple of years ago. Usually I use my scrap yarn for smaller things like scarves, hats, etc but I might try making another scrap blanket soon as I do have a lot of scrap yarn at the moment.

 

[Mintphoenix]

A crocheting group sounds like fun! I'm great at starting projects, but awful at finishing them. Maybe it would help! Below is a link to the project I'm currently working on. I have completed more since this was taken, but I love it so far.

The doctor checked and no signs on the hemorrhoid front. I had a colonoscopy only about 8 weeks ago so they have checked everything out. While I'm not perfect there, it's not all that bad. They did find a stricture at the beginning of the small bowel so I am going for MRIs when they can fit me in.

Things seem to be running a bit better at the moment. I haven't had any blood since yesterday and have even had a BM, but I'm still waiting and seeing.

 

[cmack]

Nice work. That is beautiful.

 

[Mintphoenix]

Hi guys,

Well, it all seemed to settle down after my post so I am nearly back to normal.

Had my blood test this morning and could not produce a sample to save my life, so the hospital sent me off with the kit. They can get it back when my body decides to work.

I got some crocheting and Netflix watching done over the weekend so it was constructive and relaxing.

Thank you all and I hope you had/are having a good weekend!

 

[cmack]

I hope that things keep getting better Mintphoenix. I'm thinking of you and sending prayers.

 

[ronroush7]

You too.