Concern About Potential Gastrointestinal Bleeding: What to Do Next?
Hello everyone, I’m a 24-year-old male with a history of Ankylosing Spondylitis. To manage my condition, I typically take 880mg of naproxen daily, along with Humira. Recently, I ran low on naproxen, and due to my hectic schedule, I opted for Ibuprofen instead. My stomach had already been sensitive due to the naproxen (which is why I reduced my dosage), but the Ibuprofen exacerbated the issue during the last week. After taking my Ibuprofen dose yesterday, I started feeling an unusual amount of bloating and gas. Today, while at work, I had a bowel movement that began normally but soon became quite sticky. Upon wiping, I was alarmed to notice that the brown stool was turning dark black. When I got home, I experienced another bowel movement which was looser in consistency but even darker than before. I’m concerned that I might be experiencing a gastrointestinal bleed and would like to know how serious it might be and what steps I should take next. Should I consider visiting a gastroenterologist, or is this a situation that merits a trip to the emergency room? Could this issue potentially resolve itself if I discontinue the offending NSAID?
Answers (1)
3/30/2025, 9:10:31 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your symptoms, especially given your history with medications that can affect the gastrointestinal tract. The dark, sticky stools you're describing may indicate the presence of blood, possibly due to gastrointestinal bleeding, which can occur with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen and ibuprofen.
Main Points:
- Dark, sticky stools can signify potential bleeding.
- Discontinuing the NSAID may help, but it's important to assess the situation further.
- Prioritize seeking immediate care based on severity.
Explanation: Dark or black stools, often referred to as melena, indicate that there may be bleeding higher up in the gastrointestinal tract. This is a known risk with NSAID usage, especially if there is a history of stomach sensitivity. While it's possible that stopping the ibuprofen could alleviate the irritation, it's crucial to consider the potential seriousness of your symptoms.
Next Steps:
-
Stop Taking Ibuprofen and Naproxen: Avoid these medications until you have further evaluated your situation.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Track other symptoms such as abdominal pain, dizziness, or continued changes in bowel movements or the appearance of blood. If your symptoms worsen or you experience significant pain or lightheadedness, this increases the urgency.
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Seek Medical Attention:
- If you notice persistent dark stools or any other alarming symptoms (like vomiting blood or severe dizziness), go to the emergency room immediately.
- If symptoms are stable but concerning, consider reaching out to a gastroenterologist for an evaluation. They may recommend tests, such as an endoscopy, to determine the source of potential bleeding.
It’s important to take these symptoms seriously, given the potential risks with your medications. Please prioritize your health and respect your body's signals.
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