Clear colonoscopy but still have blood and mucus in stool - very concerned.

jlg73

Hi all

 

I am 44 and have some concerning symptoms. Last year I had blood when I wiped but didn't think too much of it because I had a clear colonoscopy in 2011 for pelvic pain. Well now for the past few months I noticed blood and mucus in the stool. So then I became a bit freaked out . I had a colonoscopy in May but nothing was found and I feel like the procedure wasn't through . No random biopsies were taken and no explanation for whats going on. I feel like the GI doctor may have missed something since I'm still having blood and mucus. I am going for a second opinion but my nurse friend told me it's hard to get an unbiased second opinion but I'm praying that is what I get. I want to be honest with everything going on. Has anyone here had a colonoscopy miss their cancer? I pray that I don't have anything serious but my symptoms are concerning . Also the second opinion doctor has already recommended a sigmoidoscopy only but I haven't met with him yet so I pray that once he hears my entire story that he will change his mind. Thanks for your help and insight.

Bellen

Concerns

Hi - Did the dr say you had hemorrhoids or other bleeding causes?  Several years ago, I was diagnosed with anal cancer, which was lower near the sphincter.  I initially had some bleeding and had a colonoscopy - told everything was fine, nothing found. Continued to have bleeding - had 2nd colonoscopy.  This time he said there was a polyp in the lower area, sent me to a surgeon who removed it - surgeon thought it looked okay, but came back as squamous cell carcinoma.  Also 3 perirectal lymph nodes after having a CT scan.  I had surgery to remove tumour initially (thought it was a polyp only) - then had chemo and radiation.  I have been okay (aside from side effects from pelvic radiation) until last summer diagnosed metastatic CRC with liver mets - totally different cancer.  I would suggest for you to have another colonoscopy - to check the colon, rectum, and anal canal (be sure the scope checks the canal).  I believe there is also an anoscope for that area.  Have the dr biopsy anything that looks suspicious.  You might tell him my story, as it took 1 1/2 yrs to get properly diagnosed and start treatment because of the dr missing it in the initial scope.  I have also heard that the scope needs to be altered (maybe rotated) to check the anal canal - not sure if this is accurate, but I am one person whose cancer was missed with the first colonoscopy.  Best of luck to you.  

jlg73

Bellen said:

Concerns

Hi - Did the dr say you had hemorrhoids or other bleeding causes?  Several years ago, I was diagnosed with anal cancer, which was lower near the sphincter.  I initially had some bleeding and had a colonoscopy - told everything was fine, nothing found. Continued to have bleeding - had 2nd colonoscopy.  This time he said there was a polyp in the lower area, sent me to a surgeon who removed it - surgeon thought it looked okay, but came back as squamous cell carcinoma.  Also 3 perirectal lymph nodes after having a CT scan.  I had surgery to remove tumour initially (thought it was a polyp only) - then had chemo and radiation.  I have been okay (aside from side effects from pelvic radiation) until last summer diagnosed metastatic CRC with liver mets - totally different cancer.  I would suggest for you to have another colonoscopy - to check the colon, rectum, and anal canal (be sure the scope checks the canal).  I believe there is also an anoscope for that area.  Have the dr biopsy anything that looks suspicious.  You might tell him my story, as it took 1 1/2 yrs to get properly diagnosed and start treatment because of the dr missing it in the initial scope.  I have also heard that the scope needs to be altered (maybe rotated) to check the anal canal - not sure if this is accurate, but I am one person whose cancer was missed with the first colonoscopy.  Best of luck to you.  

Thank you for sharing your story

The GI doctor who did my scope said there may have been a hemroid there before but it has went away; however that makes no sense because I am still having blood and mucus in the stool.  She didn't take any biopsies of the colon (I hear they do random biopsies).  It is frustrating.  I pray that I can meet a good doctor who will take a second look. I do think they turned the scope around and looked at the anal area, however, since something is there. Thank you again for your help and I pray that your liver mets will go away for good and you will live a long happy life!