Experiencing Bloody Diarrhoea Following a Fever
Hello everyone, I’m a 35-year-old male with a history of anxiety, small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and subclinical hypothyroidism. My current medications include sertraline and levothyroxine. Last Thursday, after returning from the gym, I started to feel widespread aches similar to flu symptoms. Upon waking on Friday, this discomfort persisted, and by the afternoon, I began experiencing diarrhoea accompanied by stomach cramps; these cramps typically occur just before a bowel movement. Despite still feeling unwell on Saturday morning, I had to travel that day. To manage the situation, I took Imodium, which proved effective in preventing any unfortunate incidents during my seven-hour trip. However, during the journey, I experienced significant chills, leading me to suspect I might have had a fever. This morning (Sunday), I found myself awake at 2:30 AM, once again needing the toilet, and the diarrhoea continued. When I visited the bathroom at around 7:30 AM, I was alarmed to notice blood in my stool, particularly distressing since I had hardly eaten anything since Thursday—just a clear liquid. Fortunately, the body aches and headache I was enduring have significantly diminished, and I haven't needed to take any more paracetamol. I still find myself having bowel movements every couple of hours, with blood noted each time. Earlier, I managed to eat a banana and a slice of toast. Although I struggle with health anxiety, I must admit I have remained surprisingly collected during this episode. Is it possible that this is merely a typical stomach virus? Currently, I am away from home but still within the UK, and I can reach out to NHS 111 if needed. By the way, I recently finished a course of antibiotics to treat an infected hangnail about a month ago—might this be relevant? Thanks for your input! 🙏
Answers (1)
7/20/2025, 6:30:53 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing some concerning gastrointestinal symptoms, including bloody diarrhea following a fever, and it’s great that you’re reaching out for guidance. While it could potentially be due to a viral infection or another gastrointestinal issue, the presence of blood in your stool raises the need for caution. Here are the main points to consider:
Main Points
- You may have a viral or bacterial infection causing your symptoms.
- The presence of blood in your stool requires careful attention.
- It’s essential to stay hydrated and monitor your symptoms closely.
Explanation
Given your recent history of flu-like symptoms and diarrhea, it’s possible that you could be facing a gastrointestinal infection, possibly exacerbated by your recent antibiotic use, which can disrupt the normal gut flora and lead to conditions like antibiotic-associated colitis. However, the presence of blood in your stool, especially when it follows fever, can indicate potentially more serious issues, like a bacterial infection or an inflammatory condition.
Next Steps
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Stay Hydrated: Focus on drinking clear fluids, like water, broth, or rehydration solutions, to prevent dehydration from diarrhea.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on how often you are having bowel movements and any changes in your symptoms. Note any new symptoms such as worsening pain, further blood in your stool, or persistent fever.
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Seek Medical Advice: Contact NHS 111 as soon as possible to discuss your symptoms further. It is important to get personalized advice from a healthcare professional who can take a full history and suggest any necessary investigations or treatments.
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Avoid Certain Foods: Stick to bland foods initially (like bananas, toast, or rice) until your symptoms settle. Avoid fatty, sugary, or spicy foods that could irritate your digestive tract.
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Keep Your Doctor Informed: When you contact NHS 111 or your doctor, mention your recent antibiotic use and any other health conditions (like SIBO and thyroid issues) as they may influence your care.
You’re handling this situation with remarkable calmness despite your health anxiety, which is commendable. Please take this situation seriously, and I encourage you to reach out for medical advice soon. Stay safe!
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