Question:
Really Gross

Here it is... For the past 4 years I have had occasional bloody stools (I knew, eeeww!) It is really bothering me recently and I am afraid to tell my PCP about it for fear he wont refer me for surgery. I dont know what is causing but I have a family history of polyps. I really dont know what I would do if for any reason I could have this surgery. I hoping it is something insignificant that wont affect my chances of having surgery. I dont know what to do... Please help!!! Im sorry to ask such a gross question but I am starting to freak out.    — [Anonymous] (posted on May 18, 2001)

May 18, 2001
I think first off you MUST share this with your doctor. I had an experience with this last summer. The bleeding was coming from internal hemorrhoids, so it wasn't anything too serious. A co-worker on the other hand, had bloody stools and ended up in the hospital for days and was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. I don't mean to scare you, but please get this checked out.
   — [Anonymous]

May 18, 2001
First, this is not gross it is very common but a major cause for concern! You MUST see a doctor as soon as possible. Both my parents passed away from colorectal cancer and polyps (even benign ones) can lead to cancerous growths. The bleeding could be ulcers, hemorroids, colitis, diverticulitis, or any number of problems. Please do not let your fear of grossing out the doctor or being embarrassed keep you from having this health concern addressed. My mother ignored rectal bleeding because of her self consciousness and she was diagnosed with colon cancer that had spread to her liver before it was even diagnosed. IF YOU ARE PREOP YOU MUST TELL THE DOCTOR ABOUT THIS SO IT CAN BE ADDRESSED. THIS IS ONE CONCERN THAT OUTWEIGHS THE WLS SURGERY IN IMPORTANCE. I hope that you have nothing this serious, but whatever is the cause of the bleeding you have suffered long enough and need to find out what is causing it. You cannot ignore it. Even in the worst case scenario, colorectal is curable if caught early. If you have polyps, they can be removed by having a colonscopy and it is not painful at all. Then you can rest easy and go on with your life and the surgery. I had a pretty large polyp removed in my first colonscopy and it was benign. I haven't had any problems since. The procedure looks at the entire large intestine and you are in a twilight sleep for it. The peace of mind is worth any inconvenience. If you have a history of colon cancer in your family, your risks are greatly increased and you have to be proactive in prevention throughout your entire life, especially if you are in your forties or fifties. Good luck and good health!
   — [Anonymous]

May 18, 2001
PLEASE tell your PCP about it as soon as possible. Four years is a LONG time to ignore bloody stools. I have a history of polyps, unspecified inflammatory bowel disease and hemmoroids, yet I am 5 months post-op. I had a recurrence of sypmtoms about two months before my surgery. The surgeon who had done my previous colonoscopies scheduled me for one about a week and a half before my LAP RNY. MY WLS surgeon said that if they found something that needed bowel surgery, (colon cancer for instance) he would just do an open procedure and do both surgeries at once! So, bowel problems do not necessarily stop you form having the surgery, and you are better off telling your doctor NOW rather than having the WLS surgeon actually go in and THEN find out he can't do the WLS because you have some other bowel problem that was left untreated. Bloody stools can be nothing serious or they can be the symptom of a life threatening condition. What good would the WLS be if you died within a year of colon cancer. PLEASE, PLEASE don't ignore this. Good luck and God Bless. Feel free to email me at [email protected] Maria
   — Maria H.

May 18, 2001
Doctors have seen so much grossness, you would be amazed. If you do not tell your PCP and the wls surgeon, you will be endangering your own life for fear of embarassment. I used to hate going the ob/gyn until I developed horrendous bleeding problems due to fibroids. Now that they have been removed via a surgery that left me with a huge scar, I know now I will NEVER risk my own life for fear of being uncomfortable or embarassed. My father has had polyps cut out on three different occasions. All three colonoscopies were preceded by colorectal bleeding. This last time he did not have as many, but the time before the doctor said he had a large polyp that if he had not gotten removed would most certainly have become cancer. Hopefully we have all done our best to be understanding and informative, but we are also VERY adamant about you telling your doctor and getting this resolved. Your life may depend on it so get it done as soon as possible.
   — Diana M.

May 18, 2001
I was diagnosed with polyps at 27yrs. old, and was told they are definitely the cancer type. Thank God they were found! Get your butt to the doctor. (forgive the pun) My mom just found out she has the same type as me, and it does run in families! Doctor said ten more years and I'd have cancer. Your surgery won't be denied, just postponed. It didn't interfere with mine at all. And if it turns out to be hemorrhoids, great. You can't risk not knowing though.
   — Amy K.

May 20, 2001
Screw the chances of sugery-get yourself to the Dr.! This could be something as minor as hemmorhoids or as serious as cancer! We always have a fear of the unknown but you owe this to yourself and your family. The weight loss can hold a few months-this has gone on too long. Ask yourself-why am I willing to let them do major surgery for my weight but I'm not even willing to check out bloody stools? Sounds like a little fear and denial. Call the Dr. TMO!!!!
   — Linda M.