Blood in Stool
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From: Dave P on 21 Oct 2005 10:47 Boy, I can't believe the things I have talked about on this group. Here's another embarrasing moment. I have noticed bright red blood on my stool for the last couple of days. Had radiation 2.5 years ago after an RP for PCa Dr stated at prior checkups that I have a large internal hemoroid I have read that blood in the stool is common for men that receive prostate radiation and even more common for men with internal hemoroids. Whats your opinion - suggestions. Thanks guys - gals. Dave P
From: judamd on 21 Oct 2005 11:00 Sounds like the hemorrhoid popped. In normal, non-irradiated tissue it will stop on its own in anywhere from a couple of days to a week. Don't know if the earlier radiation will alter that. I used to think these things ripped open as the stool slid by but now I believe they burst from the pressure of the MB itself or at least a combination of the two. Try stool softeners and also try to slowly "ease things out" rather than grunt, strain, and push. Works for me. Of course you could do what the constipated mathematian did - work it out with a pencil. :) Dave Perry
From: judamd on 21 Oct 2005 11:16 You probably popped the hemorrhoid. It is common for it to bleed for a couple of days up to a week with a BM. Of course, that is with normal bowel tissue - don't know what effect earlier radiation might mean in healing the hemi. I used to think the bleeding was caused by the stool scraping by and ripping the hemmorrhoid open. I now think it is a combination of this and pressure that gets it bleeding. Try using a stool softener and also try to "ease it out" rather using a big push and grunt. Of course, you could do what the constipated mathematician did - work it out with a pencil :) Dave Perry
From: Steve U on 21 Oct 2005 12:20 Dave P, You need a colonoscopy unless you had one recently. It is not safe to assume the bleeding has a benign source unless the serious stuff, like colorectal cancer, has been ruled out. Everybody over 50 should have it anyway. It is a painless test. Steve U
From: judamd on 21 Oct 2005 14:13
I would second Steve's reply regarding the colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy if you haven't had either one done recently. The large hemorrhoid is almost certainly the culprit but if the bleeding doesn't go away within a week then be sure to visit a good doctor. There are a variety of treatments for the hemorrhoid too although I don't know if they are performed on a patient with a radiation compromised rectal wall. Incidently, clues to the source include: A streak of red blood on the stool indicates a source in the rectal/hemorrhoid area, blood deposited as the stool exited. Red blood in the stool indicates a source a bit further up, probably not a hemorrhoid. Off color blood (darker red to brown/black) has a source much further up the colon and can be more serious. Black, tarry stools indicate a source way up nearer the stomach. Also, lots of bright red blood in the bowl and on the toilet paper after a BM indicates a sudden burst of some kind and is almost always from a hemorrhoid, especially if the hemorrhoid was a bit painful before but seems to be pleasantly relieved during the BM. A bit scary but usually benign. Dave Perry |