SHOULD I SEE MY GP ABOUT BLOOD WHEN I WIPE?

Q

After going to the toilet, I’ve started to see red blood on the paper – I also feel tight-chested. I am pretty sure I’m panicking about nothing as I have always been terrified of getting cancer, but would like some tests to put my mind at rest. However, I feel my local doctors think I’m neurotic. Can I just pay to

get tests done privately without contacting my doctor’s surgery?

A

Your doctors will want to hear about this. The most common cause of bleeding from the back passage is haemorrhoids, but your GP will want to examine you and, if they think tests are needed, will get this arranged quickly on the NHS. Your tight chest may be caused by anxiety, but again your GP will want to see you, so do tell them about your fears.