On and off rectal bleeding for around 2-3 years now. Getting colonoscopy now. 23yoFemale
I started experiencing rectal bleeding a few year ago. I will preface by saying that before the bleeding started, I went on a vacation outside of the country and after the first few days there, I started experiencing bad stomach pains followed by constipation, diarrhea, mucus in stool, constant abdominal pain and stools that were very small in size. After coming back from the trip, my issues didn’t start getting normal until about a few months being back in the states. But then after I started getting better, was when i started to see blood in my stool at times. At first when it happened, I didn’t document if it happened after I passed a bigger stool than usual that was very hard. But in this past year or so, I have been documenting. 98% of the times, I always feel a “tearing” sensation right before I see blood. The blood is bright red and it is always on the surface of the stool. If it’s ever a bigger strain than usual, I will bleed a lot (although, I really don’t know what “a lot” is, since the toilet can make blood look like there’s a lot more than what there really is. I had a brief period of time where I did not bleed, it lasted around 6-7 (lol) months. But then it started back up again, after it started up again I finally went to my PCP and told him (he had already been aware of the issues in the past) and he said that it was time to see a GI. After seeing the GI, he just said it was a fissure (since my previous doctor had done an exam to look and did see a fissure. He prescribed me to use a cream to help the fissure heal and some natural pills that would help loosen my stool) the GI said that since I hadn’t bled since my last appointment with my PCP (which had only been about a month) the he thinks it was just a reoccurring fissure and I have nothing to worry about. I told him that my pcp and I were concerned, given any kind of blood in the stool, especially after many episodes of it, should probably get checked out. So he told me if I wanted to, he would write me the referral for a colonoscopy. My pcp then told me to make an appointment. My appointment is set for about two weeks and a few days from today. I’m very nervous, Ive heard the rise in colon cancer and gut related diseases and I’m overall just so nervous to find out some bad news. My issues does look like it could just be reoccurring fissures, but given I also don’t have the happiest tummy all the time and I’m definitely a girl who always says “my tummy kinda hurts” I’m nervous there is actually something wrong. I am 23 so it’s definitely statistically less likely for me to have something serious, but like I said, studies recently are making me nervous.
Also if you have any tips on how to make the colonoscopy easier, please let me know. I’m doing the MiraLax prep with the Ducolax tablets so I’ve heard that’s a lot better than the huge jug they prescribe you. I’ve also never gone under anesthesia so I’m scared of that too (can you tell I’m a hypochondriac?)
Thanks!!