Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Stool (how do you know)-URGENT MESSAGE!!!

This is an important question not just for us IBSers,but for EVERYONE-blood in the stool is one of the most important early warning signs of colon cancer as well as advanced Crohn's.The important thing to consider at all times is the color of the stool-it should be a fresh bright brown,like late autumn leaves.This a sign of a healthy stool with proper composition.There are 2 kinds of blood present in abnormal stool:visible and invisible.Visible blood is bright red and while shocking,it MAY not be a sign of any serious bowel malfunction-simple hemmroids can cuase that kind of blood in large amounts.Red blood means the stool isn't directly mixed with blood-this implies USUALLY that the injury occurs outside the fecal matter and may not directly mean a colon problem.Much more serious is blood well mixed in the stool in large amounts-this manifests as a dark black stool that turns part of the toliet water "inky".This means the blood is directly mixed with the stool in large amounts.If this happens,SCHEDULE A COLONOSCOPY AND A STOOL ANALYSIS IMMEDIATELY.DON'T WAIT.IT COULD COST YOU YOUR LIFE,I'M SERIOUS.
This has been a biological warning message from yours truly.We now return you to your regularly scheduled aggravation...LOL
Andrew L.

Print Remind Me Notify Moderator