Question:
Here recently I've been noticing blood, when I have a bowel movement.

I've also been having alot of abd. cramping, has anyone else had this problem? I had RNY on 09/17/03 PLEASE HELP THANKS!    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on November 10, 2004)

November 10, 2004
Call your doctor. It could be as simple as a hemorrhoid, but it could also be more serious. No one on a board is in a position to tell you what it is.
   — koogy

November 10, 2004
It is always best to contact a doctor for things of this nature.
   — ChristineB

November 10, 2004
Call your doctor first thing in the morning!
   — chelle3081

November 10, 2004
Anytime you notice blood you can't explain, it's time to call the doctor. I've had IBS for years (pre and post-op) and have regular problems with bleeding hemorrhoids, but when I didn't know what it was, it was kind of scary. A good rule of thumb is bright red blood is most probably hemorrhoids, but darker blood is from further up and absolutely needs to be checked. Go find out--even if it's just hemorrhoids, your peace of mind is to be highly prized.
   — Cathy S.

November 11, 2004
OK...do not panic. The geneal rule is that blood that comes from the intestines is black. Bright red is something much less threatening. It can come from anal adhesions that are very common and not at all life threatening, just annoying. If you are worried i would get checked anyway.
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 12, 2004
always call your doc when you have blood in the bowels, don't ignore it especially with abdominal cramping it could be colitis or polyps, among other things. The doc will probably send you for a colonoscopy. I just had one this week for unexplained anemia and abdominal cramping. good luck and let us know
   — Tammy N.