Understanding My Blood in Stool Concerns
Diagnosed with conditions including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a functional neurological disorder, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and various mental health issues—my history includes battles with anorexia and bulimia. I'm currently on a significant amount of medication, far too extensive to detail here. For most of my life, I have dealt with undiagnosed irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), although I recently discovered that it can manifest due to my functional neurological disorder, thus not entirely undiagnosed. My bowel habits alternate between extreme—either I have up to five bowel movements daily or only once every two weeks, with no middle ground. Each experience comes with unpredictable consistency; stools can vary from normal to diarrhea and, on rare occasions, very hard. Whenever I feel the urge to defecate, I must act within five minutes, or I risk an accident which has regrettably occurred on numerous occasions. For the last two years, I've suffered from daily heartburn and have been prescribed esomeprazole, which alleviates some regurgitation issues but fails to resolve the heartburn itself. Since the start of this year, I've vomited about five or six times. Though this may not seem excessive, I seldom experience vomiting, and it has not been linked to any illness—instead, I often feel perfectly fine until I'm overwhelmed by the urge to be sick. Lately, I've been battling bouts of nausea frequently accompanied by stomach cramps akin to menstrual cramps. For the past month, I've noticed intermittent blood in my stool, which has escalated to a consistent presence over the last ten days. I've had blood tests completed by my general practitioner, and I'm also prepared to submit two stool samples on Monday. My struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) occasionally leads me to dwell on health anxieties, intensifying my fears. While my mind occasionally wanders to worst-case scenarios, like bowel cancer, I genuinely suspect I might have Crohn's disease. Thank you for reading!
Answers (1)
6/20/2025, 3:40:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious when experiencing symptoms like blood in your stool, especially with your complex medical history. The presence of blood, while concerning, can arise from various causes, some of which are not severe. Let’s break this down and define your next steps.
Key Points
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Variation in Symptoms: Blood in the stool, along with other gastrointestinal symptoms (like heartburn, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits) can indicate several possibilities, including inflammation, infections, or issues related to IBS or your other conditions.
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Current Investigations: You're currently undergoing appropriate testing, including blood tests and stool samples, which are crucial steps in determining the cause of your symptoms.
Explanation
Blood in the stool can result from sources such as hemorrhoids, infections, inflammatory bowel diseases (like Crohn's disease), or even gastrointestinal lesions. Your history of gastrointestinal issues, including the fluctuating nature of your bowel movements and the persistent heartburn, adds complexity. It's good to remember that not every symptom indicates a severe issue, but acknowledging and addressing them is essential.
Next Steps
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Complete Your Stool Samples: Submitting the stool samples as planned will provide valuable diagnostic information to your healthcare provider. Be sure to follow any specific instructions regarding this test.
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Track Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting when you see blood, related activities, dietary intake, and any stress levels. This information can be enormously beneficial for your healthcare provider.
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Manage Heartburn and Nausea: While awaiting results, continue taking your prescribed medication (esomeprazole), and consider non-prescription strategies like avoiding spicy and fatty foods, eating smaller meals, and trying to stay upright for at least an hour after eating to ease heartburn symptoms.
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Address Mental Health Concerns: Your mental health, including OCD and anxiety about health issues, can intensify physical symptoms. Engaging with a mental health professional who understands these challenges could be beneficial.
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Stay Connected with Your Healthcare Provider: Make sure to discuss your complete symptoms, the blood in your stool, and any changes during your follow-up. They may consider additional tests, such as a colonoscopy, based on your results.
By prioritizing these steps, you can proactively manage your health while awaiting further investigations. Remember, reaching out for support from healthcare professionals and trusted individuals in your life is important. You're doing the right thing by seeking answers and care for your health concerns. Let me know if you have any other questions or need further guidance!
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