Question:
Should I tell my surgeon about some health problems I am having?

I am pre-op, however, recently I have had bright red blood in my stool as well as a mucous discharge that happens after I have cleaned myself. My surgeon had decided that I did not need to have any other tests done except blood & to see a pulmonologist. I am afraid to tell of this new development because I'm afraid they will cancel the surgery. I did tell the surgeon about the mucous discharge but she said it was probably because I was unable to clean myself properly because of my weight. I'm scared because I've had nausea every day and/or pain on a low-level scale for the last month. I just wonder if I increase my water, acidolpholus & fiber -- if everything will solve itself?    — [Anonymous] (posted on October 8, 2001)

October 8, 2001
I've always heard that bright red blood is less an indication of a serious problem than dark blood. However, please get it checked out by your pcp, at least. Chances are its nothing too major but you would want to know that for sure. I wouldn't keep any health problem from my surgeon. There is no guarantee that he will or won't postpone our surgery, but it would be foolish to hide any unexplained bleeding from him. Good Luck!
   — Donna L.

October 8, 2001
Definitely tell your surgeon. This doctor will be rearranging your organs and needs to know everything that is going on with your body. What if you had a problem that manifested itself after he cut away part of your intestines and reduced your stomach size? That would not be an ideal circumstance. Most likely it is a hemmorhoid problem... and that is easily remedied. Take a load off your mind and explain the details of what you have shared with us with your surgeon. It is better for you all the way around.
   — SusanMaria

October 8, 2001
I am going to echo the words of the previous posters. It is probably nothing, but you should get it checked out. Colon cancer (which it probably ISN'T) is one of the most curable cancers IF it is caught early! Don't die from embarassment. The tests aren't fun (LOL, unless you're into that sort of stuff! LOL), but lots of what we have to do in life isn't much fun. Put your mind to ease. This shouldn't have to postpone your surgery... but imagine.. what if it IS something serious like cancer? What if you are facing some difficult treatment and recovery from it? The last thing you would want going into that is a recent surgery which would impair your ability to nourish your body during a critical illness. Please take care of yourself. Again, it's probably NOTHING. But how about finding out that it IS nothing, instead of probably nothing?
   — BethVBG

October 9, 2001
Bright red blood in your stool usually means you have a bleeding hemorroid, or some other problem on or near the outer area. Its usually not serious. That said...you should definitely tell your surgeon so any problems can be taken care of before your surgery. Its probably something minor, but like the others have said, its better to know its minor than to leave something major untreated.
   — [Anonymous]