blood in stool twice

About a month ago I saw blood on the top of my stool and then the same thing has happened today. I have also had slightly looser stools sometimes but this has been going on for months (not super loose tho, and if it wasn't for the blood I don't think I'd be concerned). Anyway I did a stool sample a couple of weeks ago but never heard back. I was also supposed to do a blood test but I missed the appointment. I'm gonna make another GP appointment but I'm super anxious and I'm really worried its something serious. I'm only 19 but I feel like it can't be nothing now since it has happened twice. 

  • Making a GP appointment sounds like a good idea, but I wouldn't worry too much about the blood in your stool. It's not at all uncommon to have some bleeding occasionally. Things like hemorrhoids, a fissure or something else mild would be the most common explanations. Happening twice isn't much at all. 

    And at 19, cancer is highly unlikely, if that is what you are worrying about. Something like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's would be a little more likely so it's as well to get them ruled out (more because of the loose stools than the bleeding), but the odds are high the bleeding is being caused by something like your wiping a bit more than usual due to the looser stools.

    If it's any consolation, two years ago, I had rectal bleeding (not twice in a month, which wouldn't have bothered me at all, but nearly daily for weeks on end; not sure when it started as I didn't take much notice until it was going on for a couple of weeks or so, but it was definitely over a month), weight loss, occasional loose stools (maybe once or twice a week) and trapped wind. The specialist said that if my mother came in with similar symptoms, he'd be concerned about the possibility of cancer, but given that I was only 40, it was the least likely option and that I would be "the unluckiest person in the world" if it turned out to be that. He said the odds were less than 1%.

    It turned out to be hemorrhoids, as we all suspected.

    Given that you are only half the age I was then, that you have only had two instances of bleeding and no weight loss, the odds in your case are probably a good deal lower than they were in mine.

  • Thank you for your reply!! I did make another GP appointment but missed the phone call :/ - however I got a message letting me know that my stool sample was normal. But now I'm wondering what this means and if this even tells me anything

  • I'm guessing that's probably your FIT test? Which would mean there was no blood in your stool, if it was normal.

  • I’m not sure exactly I sent off a stool sample and I was just told it was normal they didn’t tell me if it was a FIT test or not 

  • I had intermittent bleeding and loose stools  Dr's did a stool sample to check for  h pyloro infection which was negative and a FIT test which was positive..refferred for urgent colonscopy... found a large polyp which is prob reason for the bleeding.. currently  waiting on results. 

    If you continue to notice changes..follow it up with the drs... it may just be something simple like hemmoroids  but best to check!