Bleeding and Cancer

please calm down....this is what happens when you read things online!! I am a doctor and i can tell you one thing....the most common cause of rectal bleeding is hemorrhoids!!

there are 2 types of hemorrhoids....internal and external. the internal ones are inside the anus and you can't feel or see them. With your little kids, you may have developed them during childbirth....that is actually quite common also. Yes, cancer is one thing that can cause bleeding but it is much less common, especially in a 33 year old. We learned in medical school "when you hear hoofbeats, think of horses not zebras"! That means to look for the more common things first. In your case, cancer is a zebra.

Another thing to consider is this: when you go potty, is there bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the bowl, or do you notice darker blood miked in throughout the stool? This is a clue to where the bleeding is coming from. Mixed throughout, it indicated a lesion higher up in the colon which could be even a polyp or diverticulosis. If you have bright red blood on the toilet paper, that is much more likely to be a hemorrhoid or even an anal fissure/tear. Even constipation can cause these things. I would recommend you increase the fiber in your diet, perhaps add a stool softener such as colace, and yes you should see a doctor....maybe even go to the emergency clinic if there is a great deal of blood, because the blood loss can make you weaker. But please stop worrying about things that are much more unlikely, such as cancer.

If you are obsessing about death, you really need to address this issue...it may be a sign of clinical depression which can also be treated. You owe this to your family! you will be a much better mom if you can focus on your kids instead of being preoccupied with thoughts of your own death. Yes, we can all die tomorrow....but worrying about it simply doesn't do anyone any good. If you have been thinking about your death since you had your first child, you may be having a post partum depression and it is really time to fix that. Now please go enjoy life....I wish you all the best! Please feel free to ask me any other questions.

4 moms found this helpful

You're doing the right thing by going to the doctor right away, but don't dismiss the other possibilities of bleeding from your rectum - Hemmorrhoids, an aggrivated polyp disturbed by passing stool...Your GI doctor will probably schedule you for a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy and tell you what exactly is going on at that point. In either way, your more likely scenario with bleeding from that area given your age and general good health and no genetic pre-disposition for that kind of cancer, is that you have an aggrivating problem as I mentioned above.

Stay positive and I am sure everythign will be ok.

Be well

1 mom found this helpful

B.,
Stay off the internet until you've seen a doctor. The symptoms you are experiencing could just be hemorrhoids or polyps. Both are very common after childbirth. They are painful, but not life-threatening. In most instances, they can be removed by a simple outpatient procedure. I experienced them three years after the birth of my second child. I had them removed, and I've had no problems since then.
Hang in there!
L.

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Please take a deep breath and relax. Two of my girl friends ware experiencing the same thing and they both were absolutely fine. Just like you they were scared to death and again NOTHING was wrong, NO CANCER, NOTHING AT ALL. Please don't work yourself up about this, breath, relax, enjoy your children and STOP self diagnosing. I know it is natural to freakout but try your best to relax.

1 mom found this helpful

Take a deep breath. It could also be something as simple and treatable as hemmrohoids. Try and stay calm and think poitively. Best wishes.

First, try not to worry. I know it's easier said than done. After I had my second child, I experienced similar symptoms when I had a bowel movement. I, like you, was terrified. I did go to a specialist who wanted to do a colonoscopy. I declined because I was (and still am) nursing. After speaking to my obstetrician, I learned that the bleeding could be caused by several things, cancer being the least likely. She said that it could be caused by internal hemorrhoids far up the intestinal tract (I had no idea hemorrhoids could be so far up), fissures, straining while going to the bathroom, really anything. I started on stool softeners and did a sitz bath with baking soda three times a day religiously. I also started eating activia to help with regularity. It took about three weeks but the bleeding lessened and eventually stopped. I know how scary it can be but I am sure you are fine. Hopefully the doctor can help to put your mind at ease. All the best!!

Are you absolutely sure it's not internal hemroids? That caused me bleeding and pain.

Please don't start thinking worse case senario. Cancer symptoms can also mimmic for other less threatening things. Please take one step at a time... because you are already thinking about specialists, dying, and what will your husband do with the kids. You haven't been diagnoised with cancer, so please keep those thoughts at bay.

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/hemorrhoids-symptoms

If you are gushing blood out of your rectum, you should see an emergency room ASAP.

If these symptoms are the same as what the Web MD link says, you should look at changing your diet to IBS/celiac diet:

http://www.helpforibs.com/diet/

Good luck :) and take one step at a time!

Hi B.,
There is a product called Cesium Chloride which has been used with great results. It is been effectively used by wholistic practitioners, many have used it in conjunction with the protocol prescribed by their medical doctors. There are a couple of books I also recommend regardless of what it is, they are : The Makers Diet and Patient Heal Thyself both by Jordon Rueben// Cancer Battle Plan // Gerson Therapy.
It may not be as bad as you think may only have hemorrhoids and they do cause bleeding.
I send my prayers to you and your family and I pray the angels of comfort and healing will be with you always as they await our every call,so start calling to them thru prayer.

B.,
Worry is senseless but I know hard not to...when you "think" you have cancer which most likely you don't! Did you also read the symptoms for hemrhoids...that's more likely, especially with 3 children so close together :-)
please let us know when you get bleeding hemrhoid Dx!!
HUgs,
L.

wow literally yesterday I had a colonoscopy and a gi scope (down throat). I was bleeding as well and was scared just like you since I have family history. However they did take a few biopsies ... thats very common ... and my doc told me I had internal hemmorrhoids (again very common) And that it was caused the bleed. I'm only 27 and a monther of a beautiful 5 year old so I understand your worries .... however the more you stress the more of a strain you can put on your body. The internet ca be a very bad place to look for medical advice! Too much info at times can be very bad ...... we could all find something we think is wrong with ourselves. Good luck and relax .... (fyi the whole colonoscopy thing was nothing ..your asleep and its painless .. i had female doc and as shy as I am they make it very comfy)

Don't stress yourself out before the doc checks you. Bleeding from your rectum could also mean you could have a or more than one anal fissure. Which is completely common and many people have this. For some people it is a one time thing for others it can be a lifetime chronic thing. Treatment usually requires ALOT of fiber, fruits and vegetables, water, etc. and the use of a hemorroidal cream. In severe cases, you might have to go in to the Proctogolist (sp?) to have a nitrate type cream to help stop the bleeding or as a last resort, surgery.

Keep your hopes up high. I know it can be scary, but remember that the Lord never gives us anything we can't handle. Stay positive and faithful. One step at a time... I hope this helps.

Like the other poster said, it could be many other things besides cancer, even fissures (cracks) around the anus. Try not to worry so much. I know that's easier said than done though!

Prayer is a powerful thing B. and you definitely have mine. Please keep us posted and get checked as soon as you can.

First B. - change your mindset - I know it can be scary. But what you focus on grows. Don't focus on cancer etc... I am not saying to live in La La Land - but you need to focus on healing BEFORE you see the doctor or the specialist. Focus on wellness. Focus on your kids.

Also I will pray pray pray.

You are a strong woman believe it.

I also believe we need to nourish your body at the cellular level.

I am here for you.

A.
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Hi B...
Relax and take a deep breath.
I had some of the same symptoms you are having.
Yes, you should go get checked out.. but have a little piece of mind knowing that you are definately on the very young side for colon or anal cancer. (Im 35 too)
It's more than likely hemerrhoids. They can be internal (thanks to having kids!!) That's what I had. My doc did a colonoscopy.. not a real pleasent procedure, but believe me the prep for it is worse than the actual scope. And even still it wasnt too bad. I was feeling the same way you are.. worried to death and scared I wouldnt see my child grow up! You can also have a tear back there from straining when going to the bathroon.
Keep your appointment, and if you still arent satisfied, come back into the states and see a specialist sooner rather than later!! good luck!

Is it mucousy blood? Are you frequently having loose bowel movements? And how dark is the blood? The darker the blood to higher up in the digestive track the problem is. Bleeding out of your butt can be things other than cancer so don't freak out! It could be hemmoroids, stomach ulcers, colitis or Crohn's to name a few. Ihave ulcerative colitis and hemmoroids, and blood is symptoms of both.

It can be inflammation from wheat and dairy allergies,colitis...which causes bleeding.
anal sex will also cause bleeding.Internal piles, swell and bleed also.
If indeed it is Cancer, you can reverse it through natural methods...look at the following:
the Gerson institute, the Hippocrates institute, Dr Thomas Lodi/natural Oncologist, Dr Lorraine Day...and read the book; The China Study.
M.

It's easy to get scared by some of the health info you find online, especially if you don't have a medical background and can kind of sift through the information to see what applies and what doesn't. That's why you ought to call your regular doctor and have them do an initial diagnosis. You may not even need to see a specialist. There are other reasons for rectal bleeding, besides cancer. Hemmorrhoids (internal ones, not necessarily what you'd feel on the outside) is one possible cause. You could also have an anal fissure or small tear that's bleeding a bit. But before you worry yourself needlessly, ask your doctor. Odds are that it's nothing to really worry about.
Good luck!
N.

I always think the worst and worry too.
However, this can be lots of things. Go to the Dr. soon - of course.
But try not to freak yourself out.
I have Crohns - DX in my 30s about a year after my second pregnancy.
Bleeding is a symptom of that too.
My Best to you!

Research colitis. In the meantime...cut back to a banana, rice, and water diet if possible until you can get to the doctor...it should help with the symptoms.

Chances are it's not cancer. Think positive and it focus on making your kids happy. Let us know--but I think most of us are right. God bless.

I'm so sorry you're stressed out but it's true, you do need to go to the dr to figure out what is going on. Once they rule out cancer, which they most probably will, you then have to think about what else is up. Bleeding from the rectum is a sign that something is up. I think that you're bowel movements are not moving smoothly. I suggest eating more foods that promote a smooth movement. Today's diet is tantamount with the word disease. Processed food, high animal foods, all lead to intestinal problems. A piece of rotting flesh (that's what animal products are) slowly goes through your intestinal tract in about 2 weeks. Our bodies are not intended to digest such matter. Smooth flow is through things like fresh veggies and fruits, beans, legumes, and grains grains, grains etc. Dairy causes HUGE stomach problems. Remember, cows have 4 chambers to their stomach to digest the milk of their mama, we don't. The proteins are off, all the nutrients are off.
There are tons of different grains out there, tons of veggies, tons of beans. They are what makes the body run like a finely tuned watch.

This has happened with a few friends of mine too, it was diverticulosis. Not too much of a big deal ,mostly diet change.
please let us know.
I would be thinking the same as you.the worst!!!
good luck !!!!

My husband had the same problem about 2 and a half years ago, His bleeding was so bad that he looked very pale almost white like a ghost, felt very tired and his arms, hands and legs will get very nonmed, he didn't tell me all of this for a very long time He blames it on the hours that he puts at work, I knew that he looked very white to me but he always said that he just needed some sun.
One day he pass out at work and the ambulance took him to the emergency room, very scary for me!. They had to give him a 2 pints of blood, his hemoglobin was at 7 when for a guy it needs to be 12-14, they thought he had cancer and they started doing all kinds of tests, finally the did a endoscope, they look inside from your bottom, and he had polyps (I don't think I'm spelling the word right) they removed them and he was fine after that, the polyps were pre cancerous and he has to do the same test every 18 months or if they don't find anything every 2 or 3 years. If you are bleeding you should go see a doctor as soon as you can and have them do the same test, it saves my husbands life!.
I hope you get the treatment that you need very soon, DON'T WAIT. I hope I helped you in some way and wish you all the best of luck and good bless you and your family.
(my husband was 39 years old)
Ivanys.

B.,

I can't help you with the Canadian health care system. Any way you can weasel your way into the US health care system?

I had some rectal bleending 20 yr ago when I was 19. I was worried because my grandmother had just died of colon cancer. This was also loooong before kids.

I think the fact that you have 3 kids- you most likely have hemorroids- which was my problem. I had strong genetics on both sides for it. I have varicose veins as well where I have to wear compression stockings.

IF you get a good Dr. they will do hemo-occult test checking for blood, fecal cultures, possibly check for parasites. Ultimately you will need a colonoscopy. Which was how mine was diganosed. The drugs they you give for this is great. The prep for it- not so much.

In any case no matter what the Diagnosis is- make sure you will etc is in order. You never know what tomorrow will bring. Once you have this done- then you may rest easier. Keep us posted on your results.

I can relate to not living long enough to see your kids grown up. I never thought I would reach the age of 30. I am now 41, married with a child (3 yr next month). Maybe it is God's little joke- proving to me I can't predict the future.

Is the blood bright red? It could be just a tear from straining.
best,k

don't jump the gun. get checked out first. i had rectal bleeding that was extremely bad. i had all sorts of test done and they couldn't find anything. my present doctor told me it was most likely internal hemroids, that tore. may not have been there at time of testing. that was over 13 years ago. if you can't get into a specialist, go to the er and tell thjem you are bleeding and want test done there and now. good luck hope all goes well.

Same thing happened to me - I am 30 now; you can get in trouble researching online w/o a Dr. diagnosis- mine was hemmoroids- not saying it is the smae thing, but I had no idea what they were or that I had them until I was bleeding after every bowel movement and in pain. Had them removed and still have some internal that bled for awhile but now it is not (~1yr full recovery from spotting).
Hope all goes well w/ you...please keep us posted, you and your family will be in our prayers during this uncertain time.

Get that appointment scheduled NOW! An application of warm Castor Oil will help to alleviate the pain. But dear, get to the doctor. Sending may blessings, S.

If the blood is bright red, it's not cancer. You could have anal fissures or internal hemorrhoids.
If the blood is black, then it's internal bleeding, which is more serious and could be caused by a host of things, including cancer.
Make a list of all the questions for your doctor, and then go with your husband or a friend, because it sounds like you will be too upset to process all of the information. Also, specialist referrals can be expedited for emergency cases, and you should address that with your doctor. I would let your doctor know of your fears so they can address that too.

Hi B.,

First of all- don't try and diagnose yourself with internet articles- you WILL scare youself to death! I know because I've done it many times.
Remember, your bleeding can be caused by other things too- like internal hemmorrhoids.
You've done the best thing you can do- which is to make an appointment with your doctor. Now, just try and relax. Stressing about it will only make you feel worse. I'll be thinking of you and saying a prayer that all is well.

Hi,

More than likely it is not cancer. I had the same problem after having children. The doctor did a colonoscopy and found it was bleeding hemmeroids. He said if the blood is bright red, you usually don't have to worry. It is more of a sign of a serious problem if the blood is dark. You still should get checked out, but try not to worry so much in the mean time. Hope this helps. There is a history of colon cancer in my family. so I know how easy it is to freak out. Both people in my family who have colon cancer had it removed and got treatment and are doing great now.

L.

I've had that symptom too a couple of times and have been just as worried as you are. Both times it turned out to be hemorrhoids (sp?). I had a colonoscopy, and everything was fine. I'm sure you're scared, but I wanted to let you know that chances are, it's not cancer.

B., try not to worry so much. If the blood is bright red then it is hemaroids. When you have cancer the blood is more black in your stool. This I know from a Dr because my husband has Crohn's and he had terrible hemaroids from it and you can get them from having kids also. So try to relax and definately see a dr. You should be fine, you are more at risk if it runs in your family. God Bless.

Whoa! Take a deep breath, B.. While we're all scared of the cancer diagnosis, it could be a hundred other things. Polyps, Crohn's, hemorroids. Though the medical system in Canada might be different, they'll surely follow the right protocol for your condition. Most important is that you believe that whatever you do will cure the ailment. You have many years ahead of you to enjoy your family and children. God bless you.

But maybe you don't have cancer? Maybe it is hemorroids that are bleeding? If you are sick with cancer, your husband will step up to help with the kids more, and the kids will adjust. Breathe deeply. Deep breathing can help calm your racing thoughts, and release the tension in your body. Try ten long deep breaths to start with.

I was seeing a client in Canada when I was 40 years old. My brother is a doctor at Yale. I started bleeding one morning and discovered that I had been bleeding from my butt all night. Freaked out, I called my brother. He calmed me down and said go to my doctor when I got home, and that it was as likely an internal hemorrhoid that I could not otherwise feel. Three days later, my doctor confirmed my brother's guess. A terrifying three days, but it turned out fine. I fervently hope you can achieve some calm for a few days and then get the same good news: It's only internal hemorrhoids. Your children will feel your fear, so try to relax for their sake. Bless you.