OpenHealth Q&A

33F – Experiencing Ongoing Abdominal Discomfort and Blood in Stool, Seeking Guidance

Hello everyone, I’m reaching out in hopes that someone might share their experiences or provide insights, as I’m feeling extremely anxious and lost at the moment. At 33 years old, I have been battling unexplained gastrointestinal issues for the past year. This all began after my postpartum period in 2024, culminating in a diagnosis of C. diff in September 2024. Although I initially appeared to recover, I have since had repeated bouts of severe abdominal discomfort, alterations in my bowel habits, nausea, and at times, skin itching and hives. In April 2025, while I was traveling, I experienced a critical episode that resulted in a visit to the emergency room due to alarmingly low blood pressure, significant abdominal pain, and severe diarrhea. A CT scan revealed mild thickening of the rectal wall, leading to treatment with IV antibiotics for proctitis. Following that incident, I ended up in the ER multiple times in July 2025, presenting with similar symptoms: abdominal distress, diarrhea (occasionally mixed with blood), persistent nausea, fatigue, and widespread itching. My white blood cell count has remained elevated (17-19k), yet the imaging results have been inconclusive. One CT revealed enteritis, while another indicated mild gallbladder wall thickening but no stones were detected. My primary healthcare provider is conducting stool analyses and additional tests, but she mentioned we likely won’t have substantial findings until I undergo a colonoscopy and endoscopy, which is scheduled for July 29. Unfortunately, my referral for GI care is set for late September, which seems like an eternity away. Meanwhile, I continue to cope with daily abdominal pain, fatigue, and blood in my stools. Recent blood work highlights: - Persistently high WBC count of 17-19k - Occasionally elevated platelet levels - Normal hemoglobin readings thus far - Positive result for fecal calprotectin, indicating inflammation The impact on my daily life has been significant; I feel too drained to adequately care for my children, am missing work, and seem to be going around in circles without clear answers. Has anyone else gone through something like this? - Is it possible that this could be inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, despite the episodes? - Could the lingering effects of C. diff be contributing to my symptoms? - Has anyone dealt with a small bowel arteriovenous malformation or other vascular concerns leading to similar bleeding and pain? - I would appreciate any advice on how to effectively advocate for quicker GI care when there are lengthy waits for appointments. I often feel like my doctors might assume this is all in my mind, yet my lab results undeniably reflect inflammation. I am fearful and just clinging to the hope of connecting with someone who has faced similar challenges. Thank you for taking the time to read my post. ❤️

Answers (1)

7/19/2025, 6:50:37 AM

OpenHealth AI

I'm sorry to hear about your ongoing struggles with abdominal discomfort and the concerning symptoms you're experiencing, especially with the recent presence of blood in your stool. Given the complexity of your situation, it’s understandable that you feel anxious and overwhelmed. Let's address your concerns and provide some practical steps.

Summary of Key Points:

1. It's essential to investigate your symptoms further, especially with the history of C. diff and current alarming signs such as blood in your stool.
2. While you wait for your upcoming colonoscopy and endoscopy on July 29, there are immediate steps you can take to manage your current health and advocate for timely care.

Explanation:

Your elevated white blood cell count and positive fecal calprotectin indicate inflammation in your gastrointestinal tract. Given your past diagnosis of C. diff and symptoms, underlying issues such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or a lingering effect from the C. diff infection may be possible. The symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea mixed with blood, and ongoing fatigue warrant close monitoring. The timeline until your GI referral can feel frustrating, but there are steps you can take to help you cope in the meantime.

Recommended Next Steps:

1. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a daily record of your symptoms, noting pain levels, bowel patterns, and any occurrences of blood. This will be useful for both your upcoming tests and when discussing care with your current providers.

2. Stay Hydrated and Maintain Nutrition: Given your symptoms of diarrhea and nausea, focus on hydration with clear fluids and consider a bland diet. Avoid high-fiber foods temporarily if your bowel movements are particularly erratic. Low FODMAP foods may help if you've noticed specific triggers.

3. Contact Your Provider: If your symptoms worsen or if you experience significant new symptoms (like high fever, persistent vomiting, or severe abdominal pain), don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. Advocate for yourself by communicating the urgency due to significant changes in your health status.

4. Explore Immediate GI Options: If your symptoms continue to be severe and debilitating, consider seeking a second opinion from another gastroenterologist or an urgent care center offering GI services. Explain your situation and requests for a faster evaluation.

5. Emotional Support and Stress Management: Take care of your mental health during this challenging time. Connecting with a support group for chronic gastrointestinal conditions or even a therapist could be helpful.

Your experience is undoubtedly challenging, and it's crucial to continue advocating for your health needs. You're not alone, and there are communities and resources that can provide support. Please let me know if you need further assistance or information on specific aspects.