Seeking Insight on Ongoing Symptoms
Hello everyone! I’m a 23-year-old female, and I recently underwent a colonoscopy last Thursday, but instead of clarity, I ended up with more uncertainties. For the past three months, I’ve been dealing with several concerning symptoms, some of which have persisted even longer. I often notice my stools resemble pencils, I experience frequent bouts of bright red stool, and suffer from severe constipation, sometimes going days without a bowel movement until it turns into diarrhea. My appetite has diminished significantly, resulting in a weight loss of 15 pounds since May 5, and I find myself perpetually fatigued, often napping for 4 to 6 hours during my days off but still feeling drained. I also deal with shortness of breath, persistent severe back pain, daily nausea, an intense urge to use the bathroom, hair loss and breakage, bloating, and excessive burping. Given my family history of colon cancer, I was genuinely afraid I might have the disease and was convinced I had only a few months left to live. After experiencing acute pain and constipation on May 5, I sought help in the ER. The medical team conducted a CT scan which came back normal, but they also performed an ultrasound that revealed multiple small ovarian cysts. The ER doctor prescribed me treatment for a ruptured cyst, though my symptoms have not improved much since then, as I still experience a dull, lingering abdominal ache. The colonoscopy showed just one internal and one external hemorrhoid—great news in terms of eliminating cancer concerns! However, the doctor provided minimal explanation, merely suggesting I might be lactose intolerant and recommending I consult a gynecologist before sending me on my way. While I’m relieved there is no cancer to worry about, I’m left bewildered by my unusual symptoms. Why have my stools remained pencil-thin for months? Given that I constantly monitor my bowel movements, it seems like hemorrhoids don’t account for this prolonged issue, correct? Could lactose intolerance potentially explain these changes? If my symptoms are gynecology-related, could that also contribute to pencil-thin stools? I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read this and would love to hear thoughts from medical professionals! Thank you!
Answers (1)
8/4/2025, 9:31:14 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're facing a combination of concerning symptoms that are understandably causing you anxiety, especially given your family history and recent medical evaluations. I'd like to help clarify your situation and provide some actionable steps to consider moving forward.
Key Points
- Pencil-thin stools and bright red blood in your stools are symptoms that require further understanding.
- Fatigue, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits may be interconnected with your gastrointestinal health.
- Consult with a specialist, particularly a gastroenterologist and possibly a gynecologist, to explore these symptoms further.
Explanation
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Pencil-thin stools can suggest a narrowing in the intestinal passage, which might not necessarily be from hemorrhoids. This could indicate an issue in the colon, potentially something like an inflammatory condition or other abnormalities. While hemorrhoids often cause bright red blood, they typically wouldn't be the sole reason for thin stools.
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Bright red blood in the stool often stems from lower gastrointestinal sources, like hemorrhoids or fissures, but could also indicate other conditions affecting the intestines.
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Lactose intolerance typically leads to symptoms like bloating and gas rather than changes in stool shape. It’s possible but not likely to be the sole cause of your current symptoms.
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Ovarian cysts can cause discomfort and other symptoms but are less likely to be directly responsible for your bowel changes. Chronic back pain and other systemic symptoms may warrant a gynecological evaluation.
Next Steps
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Track your symptoms, bowel movement frequency and characteristics, along with food intake and any changes. This information is invaluable for healthcare providers in identifying patterns or triggers.
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Hydration and Diet: Ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids, and consider a diet rich in fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) to help manage constipation. If you're experiencing symptoms of lactose intolerance, try reducing dairy products temporarily and observe any changes.
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Follow-Up Appointments: Schedule consultations with both a gastroenterologist and a gynecologist. Share your complete history and symptoms so they can provide tailored recommendations.
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Manage Fatigue: Prioritize rest, but also balance activity with light exercise if you feel able. Low-impact activities like walking can help improve energy levels.
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Mental Health Support: Given the stress and anxiety that come with these health concerns, consider reaching out for support from friends, family, or a mental health professional. Managing anxiety will help you cope better with your physical symptoms.
Remember, your health journey is ongoing, and you deserve clear answers and effective treatment. Please feel free to reach out if you have further questions or need additional guidance.
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