Anal bleeding - do I need to see the GP under the circumstances?

[Ncforthisobviously]

Hi,

So I'm currently having investigations for unexplained lower abdominal pain. Blood tests, stick test (stool sample) came back normal, but over the past week or so, I've noticed blood after going to toilet. It's bright and today in particular there was quite a bit, comparatively anyway. 4 or 5 small dots as apposed to 1 or 2. Thing is, I do have a stabbing pain in that area when I do go, so it would make sense that it's an anal tear. It's really very painful and feels like tiny little knives and I have had a fissure diagnosed years ago - maybe 10 and it does feel very similar.

Given the stick test came back clear, should I just self diagnose this as a tear/fissure and given that the blood has appeared alongside the soreness?

Blood is always alarming in that area though, so I don't know if I should call the GP anyway.

I'm tempted to get some sachets to make the whole process.....more gentle to give me time to heal, but again, I don't know if I should seek professional advice also.

Would you under these circumstances?

It’s always worth speaking to the GP, even if it’s just to put your mind at rest. It would be worth getting a stool softener though in the meantime so, if it is a fissure, it gets a chance to heal.

My personal experience-bleeding so bad I had to go to bed wearing a sanitary towel in my knickers and the toilet water so red I couldn’t even see the bottom of the loo-turned out to be nothing. No fissures, no piles -no clue what it was. Just as well being as I had to wait 13 month for a colonoscopy whilst constantly bleeding every time I went to the loo. Dulcoease taken regularly has finally sorted wherever the bleeding was. Do phone the GP though.

I would definitely seek medical advice to put your mind at rest, but it does sound like your old fissure has opened up again - ouch! You have my sympathies. Get some stool softener - Laxido or Movicol if you can buy them over the counter, and some haemorrhoid cream will provide an analgesic effect too.

Bright red blood is nearly always due to something insignificant. It's altered blood in the stool that needs urgent investigation.

Definitely call the GP.

@Whatwhyhowwherewho, thanks for replying.

😯 Can't believe you had to wait 13 months for a colonoscopy! Surely with a symptom like that, it should have been investigated as a matter of urgency! Must have been awful for you.

Yes it was rather worrying! That’s Wales for you, long waits for everything unfortunately. I hope you can speak to a GP soon op.

You need to speak to your gp re the bleeding. I’ve had diahorrea, abdo pain nausea since November. I had many tests and my poo test was positive for blood so had a colonoscopy in December. Was diagnosed with crohns last week after urgent gastro referral and started on treatment. My gp has been excellent. Push for further tests.

Thanks for all the replies. Will call the GP tomorrow.