Experiencing Blood in Stool While Dealing with Kidney Stones
Profile: - Gender: Male - Age: 31 years - Height: 5'10" - Weight: 180 pounds - Daily Medications: - Clonazepam 2 mg - Hydroxyzine 25 mg - Bupropion XL 300 mg - Zolpidem 10 mg All medications prescribed for severe PTSD. Issue at Hand: I visited the emergency room two days ago because my urine was bright red and thick with blood. During my ER visit, they conducted a contrast scan that revealed a 2mm stone lodged in my left kidney. I received standard care for kidney stones, which included Toradol, Flomax, and Zofran. As I approach the third day since the identification of the stone, I'm still experiencing blood in my urine, although urination has become less strenuous. My primary concern arose this morning when I had a bowel movement that was significantly bloody. The stool appeared very dark, nearly black, and there was also a considerable amount of bright red blood present. Is this type of bleeding common when dealing with a kidney stone, or should I seek immediate attention at the ER? I'm unable to see my general practitioner until next Tuesday, and I’m hesitant to delay if this might be a serious condition. I’ve established this anonymous account to ask this question. Any insights from those with relevant experience would be greatly appreciated, as I’m quite worried about my situation.
Answers (1)
6/19/2025, 7:10:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel worried given your symptoms, particularly with the presence of blood in your stool along with the kidney stone issue. Blood in the urine due to a kidney stone can occur, but blood in the stool is concerning and may signal a different issue that warrants immediate attention.
Explanation:
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Kidney Stones and Urinary Bleeding: It's not uncommon for kidney stones to cause bleeding in the urine, which may result from the stone irritating the urinary tract. However, blood in the stool is not typical and usually indicates bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, which may stem from various sources such as hemorrhoids, ulcers, diverticulosis, or more serious conditions.
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Dark and Bright Red Blood in Stool: Dark stools often indicate older blood (from higher in the GI tract), while bright red blood suggests newer bleeding (often from the lower GI tract). The combination you're describing can be unsettling, especially alongside kidney stone symptoms.
Next Steps:
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Seek Immediate Care: Given the presence of significant blood in your stool, I highly recommend seeking immediate medical attention. This is particularly critical since you mentioned the color and quantity of the blood, which may require further evaluation to rule out serious conditions.
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Monitor Additional Symptoms: While you wait to get care, monitor for other symptoms like dizziness, weakness, or significant abdominal pain. These can help determine the urgency of your situation.
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Hydration and Rest: Continue to drink fluids to stay hydrated, especially since kidney stones can lead to dehydration. However, if you feel unwell or your symptoms worsen, prioritize going to the ER.
Summary:
Although blood in the urine might be related to your kidney stones, the new onset of bloody stool, especially in significant amounts, needs to be evaluated promptly. Please reach out for care as soon as possible. Your health and safety are the top priority.
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