mrsbaseball22

I am 31 years old and female. About 9 years ago, I began experiencing troublesome symptoms. I would have pain and diarrhea shortly after eating. It happened frequently, and I'd be stuck in the bathroom for hours at a time. I went to the Dr and they tries IBS meds that didn't work. This was throughout '04-'06. In '07 I had a hidascan (sp?) that revealed that myggallbladder was not functioning, so in early '08 I had it removed. Symptoms did not improve, so in '09 I had a scope and a colonoscopy. They found nothing on either, so I gave up ever getting a diagnosis and chalked it up to IBS that I couldn't control with meds.

However, last Wednesday, I had lunch with a friend and shortly after eating I experienced the stomach gurgling, cramps, and unbelievable urge to use the bathroom. Only the urge was even worse than usual. I rushed home, which was 3 minutes away, and as I got out of my van, I couldn't hold it any longer and ended up defecating on myself. When I finally made it to the toilet I had terrible pain (like always) and explosive diarrhea. However, this time there was lots of blood mixed in. It was dark red-brownish in color. I ended up going several more times throughout the day/evening and each time there was blood. The last time I went all I passed was mucus and blood.

So now I am thinking I may need to see a Dr again. I haven't been since Sept '09, and this was the first time I have seen blood. Other than the diarrhea, which is sometimes triggered by foods that I know give me problems, sometimes it's a mystery, I have also been experiencing bouts of terrible constipation and bloating in recent months. It is as if it will build up and then all come out at once every 3-4 days or so, when I experience the painful diarrhea several times. I have also had some other symptoms which may indicate Crohns's like swollen gums and an elbow that I couldn't move suddenly b/c of pain that lasted a few days. But, I have no idea if those things are related or not.

I am a full time student and my husband's job doesn't offer benefits. We have 3 kids to support. I really can't afford to go to the Dr, especially if they don't find anything again. I had all but resigned myself to a life of these symptoms (the only relief I've had from them in 9 years is when I am pregnant), but the presence of blood has me concerned. It hasn't happened again since Wednesday, so I feel better knowing that. Also is it even worth going back to a Dr when just 3 1/2 years ago they found nothing?