Experiencing Blood in Stool
Greetings, everyone. Recently, I had a significant bowel movement, the largest I’ve had in quite some time. However, upon inspection, I was alarmed to see a considerable amount of blood in the toilet. Normally, I experience chronic constipation and have seen some blood before, but this amount was unusually high. It felt like I still needed to relieve myself, so I pushed a bit more. Although nothing else came out during that time, more blood appeared once I ceased pushing. After wiping, I discovered a blood clot, which escalated my concern and made me contemplate a visit to the hospital. For context, this blood was not the bright red hue I associate with anal fissures, which I've dealt with in the past. Instead, it was a darker shade of red. I began to wonder if I might have an internal hemorrhoid, especially since I felt as if there was still stool remaining. I believe blood clots can occur in those cases, but the darker color is definitely worrying me. I’m trying to gauge how serious this situation might be. Should I head to the ER tonight, or could I wait until Monday to schedule an appointment with my family physician? To provide some background, I'm a 23-year-old woman, approximately 5'10" tall. I have been diagnosed with IBS, which I manage without medication, but I do take two antidepressants: Effexor and Mirtazapine. (If needed, I can share images of the blood clot.)
Answers (1)
7/13/2025, 11:20:33 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be alarmed after seeing blood in your stool, especially with the amount you've described. Blood in stool can stem from various causes, and it's crucial to assess the seriousness of your situation carefully.
Main Points:
- Blood in stool, particularly when associated with dark red color and clots, warrants prompt attention.
- Given your symptoms—especially the significant amount of blood and your history of chronic constipation—this could indicate issues such as hemorrhoids, but more serious conditions should also be ruled out.
Explanation: The color and consistency of the blood can offer clues about the source. Darker blood may suggest bleeding from higher in the gastrointestinal tract, whereas bright red usually indicates hemorrhoidal issues near the anus. Since you have IBS and a history of constipation, the occurrence of internal hemorrhoids is possible, but your report of a larger quantity and the presence of a clot could suggest a more significant concern.
It's important to listen to your body. Severe symptoms like excessive bleeding, significant pain, or feelings of faintness would prompt immediate evaluation at the emergency room. Since you're feeling uneasy and the amount of blood seems concerning, it's best not to wait until Monday.
Next Steps:
- Evaluate Symptoms: Monitor for worsening symptoms such as increased pain, fever, or continued heavy bleeding.
- Seek Care: Given your description, I recommend going to the ER tonight. It’s better to err on the side of caution when it comes to significant changes in your health, especially involving blood.
- Take Note of Details: If possible, track any additional symptoms or changes you observe before your visit; this information can help medical staff treat you effectively.
Make sure you're aware of your body’s signals and seek help promptly. You're taking the right step by reaching out for support.
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