What does mucus in the diapers signify?

They run all the *tests right there...

To both Rhonda and Imccarthy, you both need to take your moms to a doctor if not a specialist! Rhonda, I would not trust anyone on this forum who has never laid eyes on your mom to render an opinion. They have no way of knowing what's going on, and everyone's body is different. The issue could be a few different things and you won't know for sure until she is examined and tested. Imccarthy, blood coming from your ructum is also a symptom of colon cancer. This is not to give you a hard time because I'm a caregiver too, but I'm stunned at the casual tone of your post. You have no CLUE whether or not your mom has roids or something more serious! And no, I2understand's post did NOT help you if it made you feel like nothing serious is going on. If I were in your position , I'd run my mom to the ER. I'd choose that over a doctor visit because they run all the rests right there, in a timely manner, and insurance coverage is better for ER services. And, most hospitals will give you a great payment plan if need be. If your mom is not well overall, it's so much better to get this done quickly and in one place than having a doctor send you to a specialist who'll write a prescription for a cat scan you'll have to make another appointment for. Two both posters, you are angels for being caregivers. Please take action!

I agree that you should have her physician answer the question, because it could be many different things.

There ARE 2 schools....

My mother was scheduled for a colonoscopy at age 94 b/c of blood in her stool. It was cancelled when she suffered a stroke. My point is I think there 2 schools of thought on elders getting colonoscopies b/c of the hard prep part. Some say go ahead and some say no way. There are also less difficult virtual colonoscopies.

You definately need to check with your doctor or nurse. My MIL had this problem after hospital stay and after she was home and I was cleaning up after her, I got it. I never went to doctor, but it took more than a year to clear up. I looked up our symptoms at the time, and there is some sort of "bug" that can cause this. Wash your hands often!!!!

My dad has a stoma, but the mucus is still present even though his stools don't come out of his rectum. We have glands everywhere and they produce matter, please get your mum checked.

She needs more hydration to thin out the mucus in her intestines. More water, more fiber, more poop. A winning combination!

Rhonda, this is a question only your mother's medical practitioners should answer.

My mother had blood in her bowels. She had diverticulosis and actually passed after passing blood and having transfusions to replace the lost blood for almost two years. She would have the transfusion and feel good for a couple of weeks and then go downhill again until the next transfusion . She finally got tired of it after two years and just gave up! She decided no more transfusions. She was so weak and tired. She died a week later after making the decision. "No more transfusions."

Yes, that did help. Thanks! Probably just hemorrhoids.

mucus sometimes helps your body is able to flush out the waste in your body when you dont have enough waste in your body. blood on the other hand if it is dark or black that is within your bodycall your doctor and bright red blood sometimes mean outside of the body like hemorrhoids or to hard wiping then put but paste i hope i was able to help

Much along these same lines, my mother has had blood in her Depends as well as when she wipes. Not sure if it is something to be concerned about or if it's just hemorrhoids. Any suggestions?

My mom has a neurogenic bowel and bladder. She gets mucus with her bowel movements. No blood. Has for over two years. Dr aren't concerned. Hope that helps.

Hi Rhonda, mucus from any part of the body could be a symptom of something going on, do get the bowel looked at, particularly in the Seigmoid area? Is the patient on and blood thinning meds?

No odor. She's tube fed. Bed bound. After having "runs" then the mucus

Is the color and odor normal? What is she eating? If you don't eat, you don't poop. When was her last colonoscopy? Ask the MD to check for bowel obstruction or diverticulosis.