I feel so unwell with my symptoms but my Colonoscopy found no tumour

I am a 57 year old man & I have always been regular whwn emptying my bowels, usually about 2-3 times a day. There have been a couple of times where I noticed blood in my poo buy they tended to be isolated incidents.

Anyway, 4 weeks ago I has a major bowel change. It started wirh a bout of constipation for 2 days and then what came out resembled medium sized black stones and the most amount of blood I have seen. It was more of a darker red and with mucus. 

Each day since then has been the same, black pebbles covered in bloody mucus. I have also lost 1 and a half stone in weight and have a severely decreased. I have always had a very big appetite. 

This has continued for the past 4 weeks and ihave just felt fatigued and unwell, during this time I have also noticed that when I urinate it doesn't look good, it looks like a dirty brown / red sometimes like coca cola.

So given all of the above I was referred by an A&E consultant for checks for Bowel Cancer under the 28 day rule.

Anyway, so I attended my Colonoscopy yesterday ans at thw end he said he couldn't see any abnormalities so I asked the logical question of qso what is causing me to offload a pile of black rocks every day covered in blood & mucus and where i have lost 1.5 stone not to mention that i feel heavily fatigued most days & ive lost my appetite.

I asked about the bleeding and he said it must be coming from higher up. I just feel confused., is this normal?

  • Hi Dazzler66 and thanks for your post,

    I was sorry to read that you are having symptoms that are causing you concern.  

    Dark red or black stools can be a sign of bleeding high up in the bowel or from the stomach . The colonoscopy will only go as far as your large bowel, this would not include the small bowel or the stomach. 

    I wondered if the doctor who did your colonoscopy had mentioned whether or not you need more tests, or if they were going to arrange anything further for you. If not the best person to talk to would be your GP. The doctor at the hospital should write to them with the results of the colonoscopy.  If necessary, your GP can refer you back to the hospital as it sounds like you may need further tests such as a camera that looks into your oesophagus and stomach (gastroscopy).

    I hope this helps. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care

    Jemma