Should we get a second opinion??

My grandpa (58) went to the ER last night with such severe rectal bleeding that he lost 3 units of blood and passed out. He's had to have blood transfusions and he is still bleeding 26 hours later. He's in the hospital and they are keeping him through the weekend BUT! They are saying it's common and nothings wrong and they even let him eat. I tried looking up stuff on WebMD.com and what I found out was his condition was anything BUT common and it could be as small as diverticulosis (bulging against weak colon walls) or as big as cancer! The doctors are just acting ho hum about it and the rest of the family believes them. Something just isn't ringing true here...to me atleast. Anyone been through this? Or have any advice? I'm worried if he goes home it could get worse and lil ole me can't convince anyone otherwise. HELP! My grandpa's life may depend on it.

Have you asked your parents what medical term the doctors are using regarding your grandpa's condition? Surely they were told something more than "it's common." Try asking your parents to tell you or find out the exact medical term, so you can do a more specific Google search. That might ease your mind.

I don't know how old you are but I do know that parents often under estimate how worried kids can get when they aren't told the details of what is going on. Express your concerns, ask some pointed questions including why they don't think a second opinion is necessary. I'm sure the hospital has run all kinds of test on your grandpa and have ruled out a lot of stuff.

I wish I could answer your question medically, but I have no experience with this illness. But when I'm faced with a dilemma like this I always go with my gut feeling. I have never regretted that. It sounds like you want a second opinion, so get one.

Its is possible that he is bleeding from internal or external hemorrhoids (which are indeed very common--and can bleed very seriously); but the other responder is correct, you need to get more information from your parents & your grandpa. Good luck to you & your grandpa.