Should I be worried? (TMI warning)

[Yellowroses27]

Sorry for tmi - have NC for obvious reasons.

Just lately I have noticed small amounts of bright red blood on the loo roll after going for a number 2. I have (what have been diagnosed as) piles around my bottom that have been there for many years. Generally they cause very little discomfort --despite looking horrible.

Bleeding hasn't happened for a long time and when it has happened in the past it was sporadic but now seems to be a bit more frequent with itching too. No obvious cause such as constipation etc. I know the obvious answer is to go to the gp but with issues like this I'm so anxious and reluctant to go.

Given the fact I already have piles I'm guessing they will just fob it off onto that. Especially with it being bright red blood. But I've had a few (again, very sporadic) bouts of IBS lately and I'm starting to worry that it could be signs of something more sinister. I'm only 32 so cancer would be unlikely but not impossible.

Given my symptoms is bleeding a real red flag or something I should just keep an eye on for now.

It's probably nothing but you should definitely get checked.

See your Gp, they'll do internal and possibly send you for a colonoscopy.

It probably is nothing but it needs checking.

Had an internal a few years back and because piles were found it never went any further in terms of a colonoscopy/referral.

It all got put down to piles

Have you taken a stool sample in to test for calprotectin?

There is treatment available for piles. You can buy stuff at the chemist. If that doesn't give relief, go to your GP who may be able to prescribe something else but I've always found over the counter remedies quite effective.

I did a stool sample many many years ago for something different. I last went to the gp about the whole bum situation about 2 or 3 years ago. But since then symptoms have been non existent until now.

@Bluerussian this is my point - if I can get chemist remedies or even wait it out til it stops I will. Other that the odd bit of blood there's no other pain. I just don't know whether it needs further investigation.

er.. have you got a mirror out to have a self inspection of the piles? If you could see them bleeding or sore, that would inform your assessment.