Managing Gastrointestinal Distress: Is Urgent Care the Right Choice?
I’m a 35-year-old female taking 300 mg of lamotrigine, 40 mg of omeprazole, and 20 mg of propranolol twice daily. I recently reduced my dose of sertraline. I have a history of GERD and constipation-predominant IBS since I was a child, and occasionally, I notice blood in my stools during flare-ups, occasionally with pus. A sitzmark study indicated that I have a slow colonic transit, with three-quarters of the markers still present in my descending colon and upper sigmoid colon after five days. Additionally, last year, a benign polyp was removed during a colonoscopy. In the past three days, I’ve experienced intermittent intense abdominal discomfort, alongside constipation and vomiting. During attempts to have a bowel movement, I’ve experienced symptoms akin to vasovagal syncope, although I haven’t fainted since I tense my legs. I’ve only managed to pass a few tiny, hard stools; most of what’s been evacuated has been mucus, and notably, I observed blood since last night. While these symptoms aren’t new to me, a typical flare usually resolves within a day, transitioning to diarrhea before I feel relief. What’s different this time is the heightened intensity of my pain, the prolonged duration of this flare (I’ve missed three days of work), and frequent vomiting at least two to three times a day due to the pain. Around 12:30 PM today, after vomiting, I realized that the Tums I took last night hadn’t been digested, which feels concerning. My husband is quite worried that my digestion may have significantly slowed or even halted, and he suggests that I should consider seeking urgent care. Recently, I attempted some remedies, including gas relief medication (Gas-X), which I took twice yesterday and once today, and I consumed two teaspoons of Epsom salt yesterday and three teaspoons about an hour and a half ago. I’m also trying to maintain my hydration, but unfortunately, a lot of the fluids I take in come back up when I vomit. Would visiting urgent care provide any assistance for my pain? While the frequency of needing to use the bathroom and the occasional vomiting might not bother me as much, the severe discomfort is quite unbearable. Thank you for your insights!
Answers (1)
7/24/2025, 9:31:00 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing significant gastrointestinal distress with prolonged symptoms, including abdominal pain, constipation, vomiting, and the alarming presence of blood and mucus. Given the severity and duration of your symptoms, as well as your history of gastrointestinal issues, it’s important to address this situation urgently.
Main Points:
- The intensity and persistency of your symptoms indicate a need for immediate attention.
- The presence of blood in stools and severe abdominal pain warrants a medical evaluation to rule out any serious conditions.
Explanation:
Given your background of GERD, IBS, and the findings from your sitzmark study, it's understandable that flare-ups can be challenging. However, the length of your current flare (three days), the increased intensity of pain, and the vomiting suggest that something more may be going on. The fact that your medication (like Tums) has not been well-digested raises concerns about possible gastrointestinal blockage or severe constipation, especially considering your slow transit time.
Next Steps:
-
Seek Urgent Care: It is advisable to visit urgent care or an emergency room, especially since you’re experiencing severe pain, vomiting, and blood in your stools. This will allow healthcare providers to assess your condition more thoroughly, potentially perform imaging studies, and provide relief measures such as IV fluids if necessary.
-
Monitor Symptoms: While you are preparing to seek medical attention, keep a detailed record of your symptoms—note the frequency of vomiting, times when pain worsens, and any changes in stool color and consistency. This information can be helpful for healthcare providers.
-
Hydration: Continue attempting to stay hydrated, but if vomiting persists and you can’t keep fluids down, it's crucial to seek immediate care, as you could be at risk of dehydration.
-
Avoid Further Remedies: Stop taking over-the-counter remedies like Epsom salt and Gas-X until you've been evaluated, as these could either worsen your symptoms or complicate the picture.
-
Comfort Measures: While you await treatment, consider gentle positions that may relieve some abdominal discomfort, such as lying on your side or using a heating pad on a low setting over your abdomen.
Your discomfort and the symptoms you're experiencing deserve prompt attention. Prioritize getting the care you need, and take your husband’s concerns seriously, as urgent evaluation can provide you relief and clarity. Thank you for sharing your situation, and take care in seeking the help you need.
Related Questions
Understanding Green Stool: Dietary Causes or Potential Illness?
A heads-up that the following involves some frank discussion about bodily functions! My partner (24M) and I (23F) have both noticed that our stools have turned a light green over the past several days. This change has been accompanied by some digestive disturbances, including noisy stomachs, significant fatigue, and mild feelings of nausea. Thankfully, there hasn’t been any diarrhea or vomiting, but my stool has felt softer than usual and seems to pass with urgency. A few days back, my boyfriend mentioned spotting a small amount of blood once, though it was minor and hasn’t recurred since. Initially, I thought the green color might be linked to a recent health-focused phase where we added spinach to nearly every meal. However, I'm now starting to worry that it might indicate a possible infection. I'm curious if anyone has insights into what might be happening here. We have enjoyed swimming at Lake Murray and recently spent some time floating down the river, but none of our friends who joined us have reported experiencing similar symptoms. Just to clarify for context—I’m not currently taking any medication. I did just finish a course of antibiotics which wouldn’t account for us both experiencing the same symptoms. For reference, I weigh about 190 lbs and stand 6 feet tall, while my boyfriend is around 120 lbs and 5'7.
26-Year-Old Female with Weight Loss and GI Symptoms: Is it SMAS?
Hello everyone, I am a 26-year-old woman (assigned female at birth, standing 5'9" and weighing 138 pounds, a steady decrease over 6 months), and I have been grappling with a range of gastrointestinal issues that have become quite distressing. While I understand that Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMAS) is uncommon, the reality is that I am losing weight, feeling unwell, and I’m desperately seeking answers that might explain my situation. **Symptoms I’ve Been Experiencing:** - Unplanned weight reduction that began after a period of significant weight gain, rapidly transforming into quick weight loss that has slowed but persists. - Oily stools. - A varying gastrointestinal pattern: experiencing constipation for 2-3 days followed by 1-2 days of urgent, oily diarrhea. - Nausea that typically appears mid-morning (definitely not pregnant). - A sense of fatigue post-meals; large portions make me feel quite ill for hours thereafter. - Positional sensitivity: sometimes, I notice a slight improvement when lying on my left side or stomach, although I have only recently started to pay attention to this. **Diagnoses I Currently Have:** - Diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). - Suspected hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) — while not officially diagnosed, I demonstrate hypermobility, bruise easily, and exhibit symptoms suggesting connective tissue issues. Genetic testing has ruled out classic EDS. **Tests Conducted:** - Upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy – results were normal. - MRCP – showed no significant findings. - Chest CT – clear, no abnormalities detected. - Abdominal X-ray – indicated constipation and stool burden. - Laboratory tests – all within normal ranges. - Fecal elastase – measuring 89 (below 40 was concerning), but the pancreatic specialist dismissed the possibility of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) due to no pancreatic damage, nor was there evidence of pancreatitis, Cystic Fibrosis, Celiac Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s, or IBS/IBD. They suggested I stop enzyme therapy. I was advised to return if symptoms persist, potentially considering testing for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) at that point. **Current Medications Include:** - Zoloft 100 mg (gradually decreasing). - Effexor 75 mg (gradually increasing). - Adderall XR and IR (20 mg and 5 mg, respectively). - Trazodone (as needed for sleep, 50 mg). - Xyzal 5 mg. - Fiber supplements (husk). - Kyleena IUD. **Reasons for Considering SMAS:** - The combination of alternating constipation, steatorrhea, weight loss, and nausea could indicate partial obstruction of the duodenum. - SMAS tends to occur more frequently in slender females or those who have undergone fast weight loss. - Although I haven’t undergone a CT or MR angiogram to evaluate the angle of my superior mesenteric artery or aortomesenteric distance, I am contemplating whether to request these scans. **My Main Inquiry:** Could my symptoms indicate SMAS or perhaps another condition like Median Arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS)? I am cautious about self-diagnosing or pursuing rare conditions. However, when faced with persistent symptoms that don’t point to any other diagnosis, I believe it is important to explore all possibilities. Thank you for taking the time to read my lengthy post. I am earnestly seeking answers, as I believe each health challenge has a root cause, and I am determined to uncover it.
Struggling with Constipation and Digestive Discomfort: Seeking Support
Hello everyone, I’m an 18-year-old female athlete attending college, and for the last two years, I’ve been battling persistent issues with constipation, bloating, and what I perceive as delayed digestion. Despite leading an active lifestyle focused on health, my digestive system has become a significant source of anxiety and unease. I’m reaching out in hopes that others might share their experiences or offer guidance. Here’s a breakdown of my symptoms: * **Constipation:** I generally have around three bowel movements per week, and they seldom feel satisfying. They tend to be difficult to pass, often dry or resembling small pellets, leading to straining. * **Bloating and Gas:** Daily, I deal with discomfort and bloating, especially after meals and increasingly by the evening. Gas often adds to the frustration, making me feel uneasy. * **Presence of Mucus:** Occasionally, I notice mucus either in my stool or when I haven't had a bowel movement, where that seems to be the only output. * **Delayed Digestion:** It's not uncommon for me to eat breakfast and still feel that food lingering in my stomach hours later. * **Fatigue and Mood Swings:** After not having a bowel movement for a couple of days, I experience notable fatigue, irritability, and an overall feeling of being unwell. About my daily routine: * I consume roughly 120–150 ounces of water every day. * My diet includes 25–50 grams of fiber daily from sources like fruits, vegetables, Ezekiel bread, peanut butter, beans, and whole grains. * I lift weights four times a week, walk over 10,000 steps daily, and actively participate in volleyball. * My supplement regimen consists of: * L-glutamine and creatine taken in the morning on an empty stomach * A women’s probiotic, also consumed on an empty stomach * Magnesium glycinate before bed * Occasionally, I use Miralax, but even after more than six doses, I see minimal improvement. My attempts to alleviate these issues have included: * Drinking warm water in the mornings * Using a Squatty Potty * Practicing gut mobility and yoga * Trying probiotics, magnesium, fiber supplements * Incorporating psyllium husk * Walking post-meals * Utilizing Miralax While some of these strategies provide temporary relief, none seem to address the underlying problems. I believe I'm following the right path—maintaining a balanced diet, staying well-hydrated, and exercising regularly—but my digestive health feels compromised. Any advice, shared experiences, or suggestions for next steps would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read this 💛
Seeking Solutions for Ongoing Stomach Discomfort
Female, 38 years old, weighing 184 pounds and standing at 175 cm. I abstain from alcohol and smoking, and I only resort to Tylenol when absolutely necessary. My daily supplements include vitamin D3, vitamin C, vitamin B12, and fish oil. I’m puzzled about my health situation. It's now July 2025, and I’m 17 months postpartum. Ever since May 2024, I've been struggling with perplexing stomach problems. I consistently experience pain on the left side of my abdomen, located about an inch from my belly button. I had a straightforward vaginal delivery, without any complications. During labor, I was mostly in a lying position on my right side, gripping my left leg with my left arm. My first encounter with this pain was in May 2024 when I visited the emergency room. They diagnosed me with constipation and advised me to resolve it, which I did, although I was still having regular bowel movements and continuing to breastfeed. After enduring months of discomfort, I sought my gynecologist's advice and underwent an ultrasound and a CT scan with contrast in August 2024. Thankfully, all results were normal. My doctor suggested taking Buscopan when the pain flared up. However, in November, I faced another painful episode. I opted for something to help with bowel clearance, which provided temporary relief. A follow-up ultrasound also yielded normal results. In February, I returned to the emergency room due to excruciating pain on my left side, which was tender to the touch. They performed blood tests, urine tests, and additional imaging, all of which showed no abnormalities. I was then referred to a gastroenterologist, who conducted a colonoscopy, revealing that I have a tortuous bowel. This condition had not been present during my 2018 colonoscopy, which I had done as a precautionary measure. At that time, all results were normal, despite some dietary changes requiring me to avoid fried foods and broccoli. Now, a month after my colonoscopy, my stomach issues have worsened. The persistent pain on my left side has become a daily occurrence, accompanied by bloating. During bowel movements, I experience intense cramps that leave me feeling unwell. I become overheated, and the bowel movements often last around 15 minutes, typically concluding with diarrhea, which does bring some relief. This distressing cycle happens at least once every two weeks. Recently, I've been dealing with both painful cramping and uncertainty about whether I need to use the restroom or if I’m experiencing menstrual cramps, as I also feel sensations akin to pain in my left ovary. I relayed my ongoing symptoms to my gynecologist, who reassured me that everything appeared to be normal. He suggested that possibly my uterus could be tethered to muscle tissue post-delivery and recommended considering contraceptives, which I have not yet taken. My diet consists entirely of Mediterranean food, completely free from dairy and fried items. I am at a loss and eager for any insights to alleviate my discomfort.
Unexpected Onset of Acid Reflux Symptoms
At just 18 years old and male, I find it alarming that I've recently begun to experience symptoms of acid reflux for the first time in my life. These discomforts have persisted for three days, which is unusual for me. Interestingly, my weight remains stable with a BMI of 22, so there hasn't been any significant change in my diet or eating habits. While I admit I've become a bit more inactive lately, my overall lifestyle has not undergone any drastic alterations. It feels perplexing to suddenly face these symptoms without an identifiable reason. Additionally, I currently have a small sore on my upper gum, but I am unsure if this could be linked to the reflux symptoms I am experiencing.