Blood/mucus stool

Hi

For tge past 8 months ive had blood and mucus in stools, i went to the docs and they said IBS, tge symptoms persisted so i went back, they took blood tests which were all normal, a stool test which said i had high calproctin levels (1200) so gp said i had suspected IBD, i have a colonoscopy appt in 2 weeks. Obviously no one can diagnose other than the docs after colonoscopy but im freaking out and expecting the worst! Has anyone else had anything similar? I have absolutely so other symptoms just mucus at rhe top of stool (first bit to come out) then blood on the outside sometimes quite a bit sometimes barely any and thats it but it has been every stool apart from maybe 5 in total for the last 8 months! Maybe a slight niggle in left lower side of stomach occasionally right but nothing major at all.

No family history, no weight loss, no tiredness, bowel habbits normal, no pain, no other symptoms, just an increase in anxiety!

Thanks for reading

Parents Reply
  • Felt like I had an additional symptom last night - gas building up that I couldn't pass. Took about 10 minutes before I could release it and that happens 3-4 times, so I was concerned that could be a bit of a sign of some blockage, so this morning I was worried again, as well as going the toilet twice in the space of 30 mins, first one very hard, second one very very loose, and blood again.

    Rang the doctors this morning asking if they knew when my results would be in and they said blood tests came back completely normal! :happy: 
     

    Stool test results not back yet, and symptoms still the same but at least the blood tests are normal. Not sure whether this rules out the worst case scenarios but I think it makes them much less likely.

Children
  • Hi I'm sorry I thought I replied to you but I cannot see it. It sounds like you are experiencing the symptoms I had as the days went on. I too was convinced I had a blockage and panicked thus resulting in not eating a lot because I was scared. My bloods were clear too. I'm so happy yours came back clear. Please don't worry. Hopefully this might help you , today I had my colonoscopy result. I have a small polyps. This was the culprit of the bleeding. All the tests are negative and the polyps will be removed soon. I feel so relieved. Please stay strong and try not to think the worst . It might just be simple. I am here if you need me x

  • So glad to hear that you've found out. Must be a load off your mind :happy: 

    I think I'm reading into everything at the minute but I should be able to switch off from it over the weekend. Thanks for chatting, it helps to hear how others in my position are doing too. 

  • One thing I can't find an answer on:

    As they're running a test on my stool sample, what is it they're looking for? Any online info about these tests just seems to say they are looking for hidden blood as this could be a symptom of something serious, but they obviously already know there's blood... so what else does this test look for? 
     

     

  • Hi, I was told they are looking for bacteria or parasites. Something that disrupts the lining . That's all they told me. Hope that helps. I too looked into everything and by the time I had finished I had got every possible illness. It plays on your mind so much and you worry all day. That stress and worry disturbed my tummy and made me feel sick so I stopped eating and lost weight. It just all snowballed. You were so positive for me and just knowing someone was there who listened was brilliant so thank you.

    now I see it's just a process of elimination and I know it takes time but that doesn't help when you are stressed. I'm always here if you need to chat or just tell me what you are feeling, if I can help to reassure you or anything else I will . Try to have a relaxing weekend x

  • Oh ok thanks. I feel absolutely fine, but the blood is the same amount every time I go. At least it's not getting worse. 
     

    Glad to help and same back to you. I'll try switch off now until Monday/Tuesday when I should know stool sample results.

  • Ok lovey, have a good weekend x

  • Tried to not think about it over the weekend but much easier said than done. Some moments I felt at ease and not worried at all. Others, I was so scared, couldn't be positive at all. Anyway...

    Rang my GP again just now and they finally have my stool sample results (faecal calprotectin). All normal. Similar to getting my blood test results I felt a weight was lifted but not 100% as my symptoms have remained the same. Still blood and mucus in about the same amounts every time I have a bowel movement. Also notice little black bits which other times I thought were bits of food like blueberries. This was backed up when I stopped eating blueberries and then stopped seeing them, but I saw them this morning and not sure what food they could've been from yesterday. I'm going to eat all plain foods today and check again tomorrow morning.

    I asked the doctors what the next step would be now these results have come back normal but symptoms have remained, she said I'd need to book another consultation if I want to discuss next steps, so I will have to call back in the morning.

    I would guess that based on my normal blood and stool results, they'd say this just increases the likelihood of it being a hemorrhoid or fissure, and they may recommend that I take fibre supplements, laxatives etc. And to call back after a certain amount of time if it doesn't clear up. I don't know, I'm only guessing there. They may offer me to have sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy if I push for it.

    I can breath a bit easier today knowing they've found nothing to worry about. Could be able to put this all behind me if the blood starts to disappear soon. Fingers crossed!

    How have you been over the weekend?

  • Hi, it's great news everything has come back normal. This was the same as me. The only reason I had a colonoscopy was to check for fissures etc. The very small polyps was the problem. It is not of high concern to them so I feel more calm now. Be strong. I was told to eliminate tests one by one which is what they did. Blood scares me so much but now I know the cause I'm ok. Please don't worry, let's keep positive. It's not easy to do but I will be here to support you. Sorry I didn't answer straight away. I think you might be right about the blueberry thing. I too ate something eg rice and they could be seen. I ate soups for a week, but when I spoke to the specialist he said eat and drink normally and document it. Together we will get through this, please don't worry xx

  • Thanks, I have been feeling so much better in terms of worrying today. I'm much more confident that it's nothing serious but I'll continue asking for doctors advice and chasing things up until the bleeding has stopped. Might just happen on its own in the next week or so. Still no pain or discomfort. Will see what they say when I ring tomorrow.

  • Yes keep asking the questions until you are satisfied. Keep positive. I'm sure it's nothing to worry about at all, it probably is something like a fissure. For me it's a tiny polyps in an awkward position. Nothing sinister at all and I'm grateful. I was told that if bloods are clear take it as a positive. I'm here whenever you need to chat. Keep thinking positive thoughts. X