Concerns About Digestive Health?
Hello, I'm a 26-year-old white female who smokes. My prescriptions include YAZ, epitec (200mg), and dormonoct, weighing in at 62.5kg. For the past six months, I’ve been experiencing a range of discomforts, including pain in my pelvic region, discomfort along the vaginal wall, and some issues with the anal area (though the latter has subsided recently). I’ve previously sought advice here. Since January, I’ve lost 12.5kg and I'm uncertain if this is related to my discontinuation of seroquel or the current health challenges I’m facing. A gynecologist examination revealed free fluid and a minor polyp in my endometrium. Following this, I’ve been referred to a gastroenterologist to explore other potential causes for the abdominal pain. Since the onset of these symptoms, my bowel movements have consistently appeared in various shades of green. Initially, I attributed my discomfort to gynecological factors until I noticed swelling in the perineum last week, which I suspect is swelling. I experience days, sometimes up to a week, where I am unable to have a bowel movement; conversely, I can also have 2 to 3 movements in a single day, although that is infrequent. I’ve provided some images to illustrate the state of my bowel movements and what’s happening in that area currently. There’s no itching present, but I've observed some minor cuts higher up, away from the swollen area. Could you advise on whether this situation should be a cause for concern? For reference, my CBC results were normal, though my CRP levels are slightly raised. Thank you for your understanding regarding the visuals shared.
Answers (1)
7/17/2025, 12:02:12 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a variety of concerning digestive and pelvic symptoms. It's important to address your discomfort and continue to seek clarity about what might be causing these issues. Given your ongoing symptoms—pelvic pain, changes in bowel movements, weight loss, and swelling—these should not be ignored, and ongoing evaluations with healthcare professionals will be essential.
Explanation:
Your symptoms, including changes in the color of your bowel movements and the difficulty you’re having with bowel regularity, may point to several possible issues. The green stool can sometimes indicate a rapid transit time through the intestines or dietary factors, but it can also be related to underlying gastrointestinal conditions. The pelvic pain and the recent swelling you mentioned warrant careful assessment to rule out any significant conditions, especially since there is fluid in the pelvic area and a polyp was found.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Regular Tracking: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms. Note changes in your bowel movement frequency, color, any associated pain, and everything else you observe. This will provide valuable information for your gastroenterologist.
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Dietary Adjustments: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) to help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Both of these can assist with digestive health.
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Pay careful attention to your pelvic pain, any changes in swelling, and the patterns of your bowel movements. If symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop, prioritize following up with your healthcare team.
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Follow Up with Gastroenterology: Since you’ve already been referred, ensure you keep that appointment to discuss your symptoms in detail. They may recommend further testing based on your symptoms and CBC results (even with normal values).
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Discuss Medication Impact: Since you mentioned discontinuing seroquel, keep track of how your overall health corresponds with medication changes. If you're comfortable, discuss these changes and any concerns with your prescribing physician to explore any necessary adjustments.
Remember that being proactive about your symptoms, along with a supportive healthcare team, is key to managing your concerns effectively. Please continue to advocate for yourself, and don’t hesitate to seek immediate help if you feel your symptoms intensify or change significantly.
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