Blood in Stool: Causes, Symptoms & When to See a Doctor

Question
About a year ago I had a sudden onset of vomiting, stomach pain and blood on tissue after a BM.  Just yesterday, I had a sudden onset of stomach pain to the point of making me nausaus (sp), I vomited once, and then this morning after a BM, there was blood, possibly a small clot, on the tissue.  What could this be and what kind of dr. should I see?  Thanks!

Answer
Blood in the stool makes us worry about colon polyps and colon cancer.  If you have a primary doctor, let them know so they can refer you.  Otherwise, you will need to see a gastroenterologist for the colonoscopy.  I am family practice, and I do colonoscopies, but most FP's don't.  The good news is that most (by a lot) of rectal bleeding is NOT cancer, but you must have it checked to be sure.

Good luck with it...