Stomach, Ulcers, Gastric Bypass Forum - cramps with loose stool and mucus

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Q: cramps with loose stool and mucus

asked by: scaredofdying on May 13th, 2008

New User

I'm 28 years old, and I've been having issues for the past year. I've had two stool samples done, one last year, and one this year. Both checked for C.Diff, parasites, and general bacteria. Everything has consistently come back clean.

The first incident was around January of 2007, where I had a horrible bout of early morning (5am) cramps, and then I had to go, go, and go. At the final movement, I noticed strands of mucus and blood mixed in and around the loose stool. Everything seemed to be fine afterwards, and I almost forgot about it despite a doctor advising a colonoscopy at the time after I informed her.

The past two incidents have been back to back in the past 4 weeks. Four weeks ago, I had the same thing, horrid cramps, then I had to go, and go, and go. This time it was the 2nd time that I saw mucus strands and clumps with bright red blood. I'd say I lost maybe 1 tablespoons worth of blood, so it's not like the bowl was filled up. It was just mixed in.

The last incident was yesterday night, once again the same exact thing. I had to go twice this time though, with the second time revealing loose stools with blood and mucus mixed. I have a gastroenterologist who just told me that the stool culture results from a few weeks ago were clean and that he wants to do a colonoscopy, and an endoscopy for my acid reflux to check for barretts.

Now, today I've had general pain down below. I also had some weird pains around what I believe is my prostate (which was checked 2 years ago when there was trace blood in my urine.. cancer check showed negative at the time, and the cause of the blood was unknown because it went away after 6 months). The prostate type pains are gone though.

I am terrified of being knocked out, and I'm a complete medicine / loss of control-phobe. I'm scared of getting twilight and panicking during, or shortly after, if I realize that I'm still "awake" but out of control. Getting slightly buzzed from drinking makes me freak out a bit too, so I haven't drank for many many years. I'm on a heart medication called Inderal, and I take Prevacid every day.

I thought that ice cream / dairy caused the incident a month ago, but I've completely avoided it aside from a small cheese pizza this past Friday. Beyond that, no ice cream, no milk, no yogurt. I really was feeling a heck of a lot better, but now that this has come up again I'm getting scared. My grandma had Ulcerative Colitis, but her symptoms were a lot different from mine. Another person who I know who has UC told me that they fill up toilet bowls with blood, and that's not what I'm seeing. It's always mucus / blood.

I'm scared of being put under twilight, I'm scared of general anestesia, and I have an anxiety / panic disorder that would probably make it too difficult to be awake for the procedure. I'm scared I have cancer, but my family is telling me I'm too young. If I have UC, it sounds like there is really no good treatment regardless.

Is there anyone out there that has any suggestions on what is going on with me, or any helpful comments related to Twilight anestesia? Do you think this could just be an infection or internal hemmeroids or something? Please help... I'm freaking out a bit over this.

Replies(3)

Dr. Nikola

replied on May 19th, 2008

Doctor

Stool that contain blood and mucus should be taken very seriously because it could indicate presence of some very serious conditions. Such serious conditions are chronic inflammation of the bowels (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) and colon cancer. Colonoscopy is absolutely necessary to confirm or exclude these 3 diseases. Less serious conditions like intestinal infections, diverticulitis and inflamed hemorrhoids are also possible.
You should not keep trying with various diets to avoid something that can not be avoided - COLONOSCOPY. It is time to face that once for all.

scaredofdying

replied on May 19th, 2008

New User

Given that it is intermittent, would cancer still act the same? The bleeding first occured last year, and was maybe a tablespoon or two. The past two incidents were about the same amount of blood, and each time it occurs inbetween regular movements. The first time I have to go is almost always normal, the next is very loose or diaharea, and that's usually where the small amount of blood and mucus is. Then, there's usually nothing for 2-3 days, then I'm back to normal.

I had a culture done, and was tested for parasites / ova, but everything came back normal. No c-diff, no bad culture, and no parasites.

One theory I've been having is a link to dairy, as I seem to have gotten very lactose intolerant over the past year or so. It seems that I have very bad abdominal problems after drinking milk, having cheese, or eating ice cream. Have you ever heard of bleeding caused by this? What about by trying to prevent yourself from going? Usually when I have these problems, my girlfriend is around, and I'll struggle to avoid going to the bathroom until I cannot control myself. Thank god I've been at home the past 3 times this happened, as I was able to tell her I needed to shower because I wasn't feeling well. I've always been embarrassed of the whole "#2", especially around women.

Have you heard of 28 year old males who don't smoke / drink / do drugs getting colorectal cancer? Do you recommend any less invasive tests like CAT scans or anything? I have good insurance that would pay for virtually anything ordered. I've been trying to stall getting the scope done until after I'm done with school, which will be later this week. Do you think I could risk dying in as little as a week if I do have a more serious problem?

My family is trying to reassure me that I'm too young. Keep in mind I'm also struggling with my intense fears of dying, and being knocked out. Part of me doesn't know what I'm more scared of - the tests or having somethign like cancer. Part of me thinks that getting Twilight will / could kill me on the spot, or make me panic and have to cancel. Any advice you could lend would be appreciated. I appreciate your comment thus far.

Dr. Nikola

replied on May 21st, 2008

Doctor

I wish I could encourage you more to do the colonoscopy.
CT-scan can't detect colon inflammation. CT-scan also cant detect some smaller tumors placed in the bowels. Advantage of the colonoscopy is not only that can visualize the bowel lesion but it can also aloud biopsy (taking a tissue spacemen for pathological examination). Biopsy is the most reliable diagnosing tool for confirming or excluding some bowel disorders like tumors, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, celiac disease etc.
You don't need to hurry so much. One week won't change anything. Just try that week not to become a year.

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