Dr. Narasi, I have had a sensitive stomach for many years. But for the last couple of months I have experienced constipation that is followed by very hard stool that is very dark. At times my stool is a normal color but it is the thickness of a pencil. The biggest concern to me is the clear mucus looking discharge out of my butt. Many times I feel the erg to go to the bathroom, but the only thing that comes out is the clear mucus and occasional blood. I will have one or two good days followed by the same pattern I just described. What sort of testing is most appropriate for diagnosing my issue? Should I be concerned?