Hi All, I saw my surgeon about 3 weeks ago and had a rectal exam. He uses an anoscope as well as digital exam. My concern is that for the past couple weeks (and maybe before that, I'm not sure)...I've had blood in the toilet and also on the tissue when I wipe. It's bright red..so fresh. I also notice bits of bloody tissue in the toilet at times. One time last week I saw red streaked in my stool like before diagnosis and treatment. I'm letting my onco know....but I'm worried (of course!) that it's a recurrence. Thoughts? I'm one year post completion of treatment. Thanks so much in advance, Lynn
Hi Lynne (Teletubby),
It’s quite alarming when you see the blood isn’t it? Is this happening just when you have a bowel movement (BM)? I’m almost 3 years post treatment & this still happens with me from time to time often kicked off by a difficult BM, it can happen just the once or last for a few days.
You’re doing the right thing by telling your Dr’s I do this at each appointment & my surgeon & oncologist have both said it’s more than likely fissures, both have explained the fragility of the skin that has received the radiotherapy & said I should only be concerned if the bleeding became heavy. I never suffer bleeding between BM’s & the periods between this happening seem to get further & further apart, I’ve also noticed blood on my stool but on closer inspection (sorry for the mental image lol) it has been on my stool rather than in it if you know what I mean & only the last bit.
If this happened after your DRE & anoscope & you’ve been ok before that it’s likely that the examinations probably kicked this episode off. Don’t be afraid to contact your Dr’s if only to stop you worrying & put your mind at rest although what you’re describing sounds very much like what happens with me.
Nicola
