Rectal bleeding for 4+ years worried

[Kaelon 1]

Hey all, 

Around 4 years ago I had a colon cancer scare in which I had terrible abdominal cramps alongside constant bright red blood on tissues after wiping. I went to my GP a very highly respected professor of Medicine at my countries most prestigious university and he didn't seem to worried. After doing some blood tests which came back fine he sent me off to get an ultrasound, after an anxious week or so the ultrasound returned fine and I moved on despite the fact the blood on the tissue never went away. 

Here I am four years later, always periodically having blood on my tissue after a bowel movement and I am currently insanely constipated. I put this down to starting Lexapro which can occasionally cause constipation. However this has resurfaced old anxieties regarding bowel or rectal cancer. I took a laxative last night to get some motion in the ocean and it worked. I saw no blood in the bowl or stool however there was some minor upon wiping. 

What would the chances of me going four years with no increase of blood expelled or increase of frequency (occurs every second or third movement) with a serious disease?

[Veryscary 11]

I went through the same thing and had a full colonoscopy six years ago. It still happens from time to time and I totally lose my shit - and this is having had the full blown roto rooter treatment. So I know what you're going through.

Please just trust your doctor. And stop looking at the tp. Just wipe real good, toss it and flush. I literally close my eyes. I'm not saying this is an ideal fix. But you gotta build some distance from this shit. (Inadvertant pun)

 

[Holls 1505]

I know everyone is diff.. I worked with two girls that had Colon cancer. One had blood clots during her bowel movements.. the other girl had horrible tummy pains and black stools. 

I have had blood on the toliet paper many many times. I always have hard bms. I would trust your Dr. 

[zmichelle557 11]

Bright red blood is usually due to hemmroids. If that's what your seeing when you wipe, either a, your bm is hard and irritating you, b, your wiping too hard, or c you just have hemmroids and they can give you some hemmroid cream. I've been doing this on and off for years. My mom has too. She was told hemmroids 30 some years ago and that's what she told me as well. I think she's right but neither of us are doctors either. Since you've seen your doc and been given the all clear I wouldn't worry. You might try wiping gentler, using baby wipes or super soft tp, or taking stool softener a few times a week to see if that helps alleviate the issue. Honestly, everyone i know (we are weird and talk freely about stuff) has had this issue on and off throughout the years.

[Mark G 1187]

Yes  if it's bright red blood then it's piles or scar tissue.  It's certainly not anything more serious than that.  I'd suggest using sensitive toilet wipes (if your not already) or try to set some sort of bidet to allow the area to heal as wiping opens up the cuts time and time again.  Try not to worry, this is not anything near serious. I've been through this for years and now with management, I bleed far less often. 

[Kaelon 1]

Thanks for your replies everyone, 

I went to the doctor who had a look and told me I had a small hemmroid and an anal fissure, so that explain the bleeding. 

I just wish I had an explanation for this constipation and abdominal pain. It all started when I moved on to lexapro. Has anyone here experienced constipation due to lexapro?