can't tell if this is blood in my poo!!

[emeraldgirl1]

... or beetroot!!! I ate quite a lot of beetroot on Sunday and more on Monday. Starting on Tues I was getting odd-coloured poo, that got a lot odder y'day and is still not improving today. Sorry for TMI but it's darker than usual overall (though not black) and is very patchy with purplish-red, quite bright patches. And when I wipe, I'm getting a very faint tinge of purply-maroon on the loo paper.

I have had a reaction to beetroot before, but I don't remember it lasting as long as this. DH ate the beetroot too but he only had funny poo the day after. Mine started 2 days after and isn't gone yet.

How long do I leave it before I stop assuming it's beetroot related and hurtle to my GP surgery?

I should add that I'm doubly paranoid because I've been battling chronic constipation for the last 6 months. However my GP did stool sample and blood tests 4 months ago and I got a clean bill of health back then.

Can beetroot poo REALLY last this long? And look this scary?

Thanks and again, sorry if TMI!!

I'm not a medic but the colour you are describing when you wipe sounds like beetroot rather than blood.

I always assume that blood would be brightish red if you had a bleed from a tear for example and that black poo that looks like coffee grinds is a sign to get to the doctor pdq.

If you are constipated everything might me taking a lot longer to work itself through your system - hence your husband 'seeing' the beetroot the day after eating it whilst it took 2 days to work through your system.

If you are worried go to the doctor and have them put your mind at rest.

thanks ScottOfTheArseAntics - what an appropriate name you have for responding to my post!!!

I will give it another day before going to the doctor as (this may not surprise you to learn) I have a bit of a history of health anxiety and so am really trying not to run to the GP with every little panic...

I think you're right about the wiping/colour thing. It is very disconcerting tho. At the very least it will be the last time I eat beetroot for a while!

Ha! Didn't think about the name, I hope it doesn't make me sound as though I'm mad keen on arse related things! I'm not - honest!

Sounds like beetroot.
I've had blood in my poo before , fresh red colour, or stale black colour.
Your digestive system probably slower than normal with chronic constipation so yes it can come out a few days later.

Beetroot! You would know if it were blood. Trust me!

Thanks peeps!! I'm rubbish at describing colours, but I think purplish-red is the best way to describe, though now I'm wondering if it isn't a bit bright red perhaps...