Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 8/24/2007

Question
I am 59, female and have been diagnosed with IBS-D. After 50 minutes on my
treadmill yesterday, I had a burning feeling in my rectum. I am meticulous
about cleaning myself after bowel movements, using wet wipes in addition to
paper, so I thought having had a BM at work and not being able to clean
myself properly plus the sweat might have caused the feeling. When I wiped
myself, I saw red blood on the paper. I had a colonoscopy 3 years ago ... no
polyps but hemorrhoids and a few diverticula. I had a fecal occult blood test
and stool sample tests about 6 months ago (checking to see why I had
occasional bouts of queasy stomach; stomach-emptying scan showed
gastroparesis but all other tests - gall bladder, blood workup, upper GI -
were negative). All stool tests were clean. I have had a couple of bowel
movements since I saw the blood but saw no blood on the paper, in the bowl
or on the stool. I still have a little burning and it feels "tight" back there. I
have made an appointment at my gastroenterologist's office because the
blood freaked me out. What does this sound like and what can I expect the
doctor to do? Will I need another colonoscopy?
Thanks for your help!

Answer
It may very well be your hemorrhoids that cause this, but only an examination can confirm or reject that. Yes I think a new colonoscopy should be made to be on the safe side since it is actually 3 years since the last one. That and a local examination should be included in your check up. Good luck!