Understanding and Managing Hemorrhoids: A Doctor's Advice

Question
Dear Dr. Aukerman:

Thanks for volunteering at this site.  I 55 years old.  I work as a school teacher and have no planning time during the day.  (I am looking for another position)!

Consequently, I usually don't have time to use the restroom if I need to have a bowel movement....and I have always found it hard to have one in a public restroom...especially when we don't have a teacher's facility...and kids keep walking in and out.

Last Friday, I got home and had a really, really, hard time going...from hard stools.  I really had to strain and after there was some bright, red blood.  I have had 2 clean colonsocopies - one in my early 40's and one about 3 years ago.  No polops and routine...the doctor said...see you in ten years.  I do have hemmroids which usually do not bother me.

I am still seeing bright red blood (though not as much) when I am go to the bathroom after a BM. It is on the paper, on the stools and in the bowel (but at this point slightly)  and in the past week has actually dripped out of the rectum.   Sorry to be so graphic.   I am pretty sure this is from a hemmroid as it slighly hurts like one and I know from a gastro's confirmation that I have them.

I realize blood can be from other things.  My question is:  do I have to get evaulated because of this blood since I have had 2 clean colonoscopies and know I never had polops, that the blood is from the roids?  In other words...how long would a polop take to develop and turn into cancer anyway?  I plan on getting another colonoscopy in about 3-5 years, so it's not like I will never get one again.  

Also, does the color of the blood indicate if something is from a hemmroid or a fissue and not of something more serious?

Thanks.


Answer
do I have to get evaulated because of this blood since I have had 2 clean colonoscopies and know I never had polops, that the blood is from the roids?  
Yes, you need to get this evaluated.

In other words...how long would a polop take to develop and turn into cancer anyway?  
No way to be sure except by evaluation.

Also, does the color of the blood indicate if something is from a hemmroid or a fissue and not of something more serious?
Not really, you need this checked.