Experiencing Bloody Diarrhea
Greetings, I am a 44-year-old female with a medical history that includes endometriosis, BRCA2 gene mutation which led to a bilateral mastectomy, hysterectomy, as well as bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Additionally, I deal with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Approximately 36 hours ago, I experienced a sudden and intense onset of abdominal cramping, initially feeling similar to gas pains. This was accompanied by excessive sweating, a solitary vomiting episode, and subsequently three instances of liquid diarrhea that had a strong, unpleasant odor. Although I did not have a fever, I experienced intermittent chills. In the first two episodes, blood was not noticeable. However, after the third occurrence, I noticed a significant amount of bright red blood on the tissue when I wiped, along with several teaspoons of blood in the toilet. After that, I felt intermittent pain and nausea throughout the night. Eventually, I sought treatment at the emergency room because of the discomfort and concern over the bleeding. My white blood cell count was slightly elevated at 13.8, while other tests returned mostly normal results, including a hemoglobin level of 125. I was administered fluids, ondansetron for nausea, and buscopan for abdominal pain. A rectal examination was performed, which did not reveal any hemorrhoids. Currently, I am experiencing mild abdominal discomfort and have not had a bowel movement since the occurrence of bloody diarrhea. I am anxious about the possibility that this could be infectious bloody diarrhea or colitis due to something I consumed. The thought of colon cancer is particularly worrisome to me, especially considering I had a normal colonoscopy in June 2022.
Answers (1)
4/4/2025, 12:20:46 AM
OpenHealth AI
Experiencing bloody diarrhea can be concerning, especially with your medical history. You've already taken an important step by seeking emergency care, which is a positive move. While the incident has caused anxiety, let’s focus on understanding your symptoms and ensuring your self-care during recovery.
Explanation
Based on what you described, your sudden abdominal cramping, vomiting, and the presence of bloody diarrhea may suggest potential gastrointestinal disturbances, such as infectious colitis or another form of gastrointestinal irritation. Your elevated white blood cell count could indicate an inflammatory or infectious process. It's understandable to worry about serious conditions like colon cancer, especially with your medical background. However, considering your recent normal colonoscopy and current situation, immediate concerns likely center around an infection or inflammation rather than cancer.
Next Steps
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Hydration: Continue to stay well-hydrated. Since you’ve had diarrhea, it’s essential to replenish fluids. Drink clear fluids (like water, broth, or oral rehydration solutions) to prevent dehydration.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms. Note any changes such as increased abdominal pain, further episodes of diarrhea, fever, or new symptoms, and maintain a symptom diary for future reference.
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Diet Modifications: Until your symptoms improve, consider following a bland diet—easy-to-digest foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet). Avoid dairy, caffeine, and fatty foods, which can irritate your digestive system.
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Rest: Allow your body to recover by getting plenty of rest. Stress can exacerbate digestive issues.
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Contact Healthcare Provider: If you experience a return of severe symptoms, such as high fever, significant abdominal pain, or if the blood in your stool increases, contact your healthcare provider promptly for further evaluation.
It’s crucial to address your anxiety. Breathe and remind yourself that you've already made the right choices in seeking help and monitoring your symptoms. If your symptoms don’t improve or if your anxiety worsens, reach out to your healthcare provider for further personalized care.
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