Lots of things can cause rectal bleeding. I think even just constipation can do it. And hemorrhoids apparently often gey missed in tests like that. And then there is ulcerative colitis, Crohn's, polyps, certain infections...

Try to trust the doctors. If you need further investigations, I'm sure they'll do them.

I know it is really worrying. Last year, I had rectal bleeding, some weight loss, occasional loose stools and trapped wind (the last a totally new thing) and the specialist said that as I was only 40, I'd be "the unluckiest person in the world" if it turned out to be cancer." Like you, I had the GP say no sign of hemorrhoids or a fissure, but it still turned out to be hemorrhoids and they said that wasn't at all unusual.

Hi I'm sorry to hear about your symptoms. You did the right thing getting it checked.

I thought I'd tell you about my experience as I remember being very worried and it would've helped hearing other people's experiences.

I also had rectal bleeding. I noticed it one morning when there was a lot (blood filled on toilet paper, had to wipe a few times, toilet bowl water turned red) and was scared and then I realised there were previous times I had bleeding but it was a tiny but so I didn't take much notice.

I'm 23 and was also sooo worried about not being taken seriously.

The first GP I called said it was nothing and to give it a few weeks. The second said 'uhh you should probably come in tomorrow, do you want a female dr?' and I said yes but was then so scared I'd have one who wouldn't take me seriously. She turned out to be amazing. As soon as I walked in, she said it upset her hearing about my symptoms. The appointment felt very productive. 

So if you don't get taken seriously, you should call/ go to a different doctor if your symptoms persist.

My rectal examination found no haemorrhoids or fissures like yours. I was so scared that the appointment would then be over and then she said the problem must be internal so asked me to give a stool sample, FIT test and come back for a blood test.

Have they asked you the same?

My FIT test came positive with a high result so they referred me for further tests. The waiting list was very long and I had new symptoms (faecal incontinence and weight loss). I called the GP again and she referred me on the 2ww referral which I was so relieved about.

I had a sigmoidoscopy (looks at the left side of the colon) and found out I do have haemorrhoids but they're higher up. I'm so relieved. I am still waiting for biopsy results but hope they'll be okay.

Hope you turn out not to have anything serious.

Thanks so much for your reply, it is so helpful to hear others stories . I will try and stay calm and hope that I get support from the Dr. 
x

Thank you so much for this reply. It's so helpful to hear of someone in a similar situation. Good luck with everything, I hope your tests come back okay x

Hello. I have had a similar issue with blood on the toilet paper when wiping (but nowhere else). Have had this for some time but never really thought too much of it until I read about colon cancer (I have suffered from fissures badly in the past that lasted many years so that is one reason why I ignored it, plus I was embarrassed).

I went to the doctor and he had a look and feel externally but not internally. He said probably internal hemorroids. Definitely put me at ease but I did wonder if he should have checked internally. I assume he knows what he's doing, what do you all think? (I'm 44 by the way).

Henry I think if it was me I would ask if your gp can test a stool sample, blood digested in the stool is detected on a transferrin test, this is blood that come from higher up but doesn't usually show as bright red. Fresh blood is normally bright red. If you have other symptoms such as pain or bloating, changes to what is normal for you with bowel movements then maybe ask if you could be referred for a colonoscopy. if it's a non urgent referral it will take quite a long time however as I said any changes should be discussed and looked into and this is normally on a 2ww. I am wondering if your doctor would let you do a FIT test which is offered to people in their 50's as a screening aid. Mine is arriving soon and I know it will be positive because I am already under a gastric doctor for occult blood and an uptake on a nuclear scan. things are still ongoing. If you feel at ease with the doctors comments then just keep an eye on things and report any changes

all the best 

HM

Hi, thanks for the reply. I don't actually have any other symptoms at all, nothing. All I get is blood on the toilet paper from time to time (although I sometimes wonder if its certain toilet paper that can cause irritation and bleeding? As I have a better time with Andrex over everything else). Has been like this for a long time to be honest. I do trust the doctor, surely he can tell if things should go further?