Understanding Major Gastrointestinal Bleeding Due to Angiodysplasia
Hello to everyone reading my lengthy post; your attention is greatly appreciated. I’d like to share some of my medical history for context. I have undergone treatment for stage 3 anal cancer and stage 1 lung cancer, during which a portion of my lung was surgically removed. In addition, I developed a permanent stoma due to complications from deep vein thrombosis in my leg, which resulted in nerve damage that affects my mobility. Recently, I have experienced four significant gastrointestinal bleeds, leading to the discovery of angiodysplasia in my small intestine. Unfortunately, I have been waiting for a double balloon endoscopy for the past ten months, and I suffered another bleed in April. In September, I began treatment with octreotide following four unsuccessful hospital discharges and multiple blood transfusions. A recent fit test returned a value of 332. Due to the doctors’ initial concerns about possible cancer, I underwent an emergency colonoscopy through my stoma. During the procedure, the doctors found additional bleeding blood vessels, which they cauterized. They've informed me that their ability to assist is limited to managing my symptoms until the scope is performed. To address my anemia, I have been prescribed iron supplements, though I am skeptical of their effectiveness given my ongoing bleeding issues. One primary concern I have is that since starting octreotide, my stools have become significantly darker, and the iron tablets are likely exacerbating this, resulting in completely black stools. I am trying to understand how to distinguish the normal effects of these medications on my stools from potential signs of continued bleeding related to the angiodysplasia. Thank you to everyone who has stuck with my lengthy account; your support means a lot to me.
Answers (1)
8/12/2025, 2:01:55 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your situation and medical history; it helps provide a clearer understanding of your concerns. I genuinely appreciate your patience, especially given the challenges you're facing with ongoing gastrointestinal bleeding and angiodysplasia.
Main Points:
- Dark, black stools can indicate a few things, including the normal side effects of iron supplements and possible continued bleeding.
- Monitoring your symptoms closely and understanding what to watch for can help differentiate between these.
Explanation:
Black stools, often described as "melena," can result from the ingestion of iron supplements, as well as reflect internal bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract. Given your history of angiodysplasia and recent treatments, it's essential to remain vigilant about any changes in your stool color, especially if they might signal unresolved bleeding.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Your Stools:
- Keep a diary noting your stool color, consistency, and any additional symptoms (like pain, dizziness, or fatigue).
- If you notice a significant change towards tarry or black stools without any indication of the iron supplement's influence, or experience other warning symptoms, take that seriously.
-
Stay Hydrated and Manage Anemia:
- Continue your prescribed iron supplements — be patient as it takes some time for iron levels to increase and for your body to recover from bleeding.
- Focus on hydration and eating iron-rich foods, paired with vitamin C (like oranges or bell peppers) to enhance absorption.
-
Communicate with Your Medical Team:
- Inform your healthcare providers about the color change in your stools and any new or worsening symptoms. Documenting these changes can provide helpful information during your follow-up care.
- Seek clarification on the expected effects of octreotide and iron supplementation regarding stool appearance along with your healthcare provider to ensure you’re informed about what’s typical vs. concerning.
-
Wait for the Scheduled Double Balloon Endoscopy:
- While you manage these symptoms, it’s important to stay on track for your upcoming double balloon endoscopy, as it may provide further insights into your situation.
- If the waiting becomes too lengthy or you experience recurrent bleeding or critical symptoms, discuss the possibility of expedited evaluation.
Your experiences are valid, and it’s natural to seek clarity. Please take care of yourself and remember you are not alone in navigating this situation. If any specific symptoms arise or if you're ever in doubt, reaching out to your healthcare team will be essential. Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to discuss!
Related Questions
Ongoing Symptoms Post-Concussion: Seeking Insights
Hello everyone, I’m a 25-year-old male and experienced a significant car accident about two and a half years ago. Although I didn't black out during the incident, I felt disoriented and unsettled immediately afterward. Since that day, my health has noticeably deteriorated, and I'm attempting to discern whether my current struggles are commonplace or if something more serious might be overlooked. Here’s what I've been grappling with: I endure daily headaches that typically originate in the back of my head or neck, gradually migrating towards my temples or eyes. Conditions that intensify these headaches include bright screens, excessive light, noise, and bustling surroundings. When I attempt to power through the discomfort, I sometimes see halos around lights or experience visual static. Mentally, I find myself exhausted very quickly. Concentrating becomes a challenge, and I frequently lose track of my thoughts or encounter difficulty finding the right words. Engaging in conversations or attending meetings can drain me significantly. Additionally, I become easily overwhelmed, especially in loud or crowded situations. Tinnitus is another issue I face, as the ringing in my ears is a constant presence. Since the incident, I’ve noticed weakness in my left hand; my ring and pinky fingers often curl up like claws. An electromyography (EMG) test revealed damage to the ulnar nerve, which accounts for some of this phenomenon. Unfortunately, it hasn't improved, impacting my ability to type, grip objects, and carry out everyday tasks. I also experience occasional facial twitching, jaw tightness, and short bouts where different parts of my body feel weak or tremble, but these symptoms are temporary. Fatigue is a significant battle for me. I struggle with poor sleep quality, waking up feeling unrested, and sometimes experiencing anxiety first thing in the morning. Even on days when the pain level is tolerable, my energy depletion restricts my activities. Here’s a summary of what medical evaluations have revealed: • My brain scans returned normal results, revealing only minor, nonspecific findings like white matter changes in certain regions. • The blood vessels in my brain appeared healthy. • EEG results indicated some slowing but no evidence of seizures. • More invasive tests ruled out any major health concerns. • Mild sleep apnea was detected. • Cognitive assessments showed deficits in attention, processing speed, and memory. • Eye examinations indicated challenges with tracking and focusing post-injury. What has proven somewhat beneficial includes: • Migraine medication has helped lessen the severity of my headaches. • Telecommuting allows me to take frequent breaks. • Engaging in occupational, speech, and vision therapy whenever possible has been somewhat advantageous. I maintain a full-time job, but managing it drains a considerable amount of my energy, leaving little for family interactions, social engagements, or time for recovery. I’m at a stage where I’m seeking clarification on several points: 1. Is it common for post-concussion symptoms to persist for such an extended period despite normal scan results? 2. When is it appropriate to seek an alternative explanation rather than accepting a diagnosis of merely post-concussion syndrome, stress, or anxiety? 3. Is it typical for fatigue to be the most pronounced and debilitating symptom? 4. Are there often overlooked aspects, such as sleep quality, visual processing, nerve health, or nervous system function, that should be reevaluated? I’m not seeking a diagnosis—just some insight. I want to determine whether I’m on a reasonable track or if I should be considering different inquiries. Thank you to all who have taken the time to read my message.
[30M] Intermittent Crackling Noise from Chest Area
Hello everyone, I've been experiencing a crackling sound that occurs occasionally when I laugh heartily or cough. It seems to originate from my chest, but I'm not entirely sure if it might also be related to my throat. Interestingly, there’s no mucus or phlegm that surfaces when this happens. Despite my attempts, I can’t reproduce the sound by quickly exhaling or taking deep breaths. I don't struggle with wheezing or experience shortness of breath. There’s a persistent cough I’ve had since dealing with the flu last December, but I can recall having these sounds before that incident. Additionally, I suffered from asthma as a child, which I suspect could be a contributing factor. I'm planning to schedule an appointment with my primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation, ideally including an X-ray. Meanwhile, I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights you might have. Thank you in advance!
Understanding Post-Surgical Pain After Ganglion Cyst Removal
I’m 17 years old (female, though I prefer He/him pronouns) and I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) along with Dysautonomia. Currently, I’m not taking any medications that might impact my situation apart from an SNRI and birth control to manage cramping. Around a month ago, I underwent surgery to remove a ganglion cyst located on my dominant wrist (the right one). This cyst had been present for roughly three years, and despite my doctor attempting to aspirate it, the procedure was unsuccessful due to its firmness, leading to surgical intervention. This cyst significantly limited my wrist mobility. Now, after approximately four weeks post-surgery, I can say that my wrist is mostly improved. The scar is healing fairly well, and I’ve regained about half of my wrist’s mobility compared to the left one. Yet, I still experience significant pain when I move or apply pressure on the area that housed the cyst. Is this pain considered normal? Additionally, my fingers are in constant discomfort, and my wrist seems to dislocate frequently. Due to my EDS, I am accustomed to joint pain and dislocations, but this particular pain feels more severe than what I usually endure. When I brought this up with my surgeon, he dismissed my concerns, stating that such dislocations are common for individuals my age. However, I experience dislocations at least twice daily, and the process of resetting them creates such a loud sound that I've been asked to leave classes to avoid disturbing others. Is this normal? Could it be related to the cyst? Moreover, about four days ago, I noticed a small lump forming on my wrist just above the surgical area. When I consulted my doctor about it, he informed me that it was a benign fatty tumor and assured me it wasn't a serious issue. However, I've never encountered anything like this before, and while the lump is not painful, soft, and relatively small, I’m puzzled about its sudden appearance. Why did this occur, and what could explain my doctor’s nonchalant attitude towards my symptoms? I understand that experiencing pain and limited mobility after surgery is not unusual, but given my doctor’s dismissive approach towards my concerns, I felt compelled to seek insight here as well. He often seems skeptical about the symptoms I report, making it difficult for me to fully trust his evaluations.
Concerns About Changes in Partner's Semen Consistency
At 19 years old, I’m seeking some insights regarding a situation. My girlfriend, who is also 19, has experienced a noteworthy change in her semen consistency during our intimate encounters over the last two to three weeks. To provide some background, she stands at 5 feet 5.5 inches tall and weighs approximately 130 pounds. Her ethnicity is Caucasian, and she is from Canada. Historically, my girlfriend has been in good health without any significant medical conditions. Currently, she is not taking any medications. Previously, she had a history of frequent vaping, but that was about a year ago, and now she limits it to occasional use. The change in her semen is quite striking; it appears very thick, white, and somewhat chunky, rather than being mostly liquid. There are some liquid components, but the thick texture predominates. Throughout this period, she has maintained her regular diet, and importantly, there are no signs of a urinary tract infection or sexually transmitted disease. Neither does she experience any pain or unusual odors. This alteration has raised some concerns for her, and while I am trying to be supportive, I am uncertain about the potential causes. We searched online for explanations, but the reactions we found mostly related to digital sources that discussed various infections or medical conditions, none of which seemed to match her symptoms. Does anyone have insights or similar experiences regarding this matter? It would be appreciated in easing her worries and determining the best course of action.
Three Weeks Post Gallbladder Surgery - Is It Infected?
Patient Profile: - Age: 35 - Gender: Female - Height: 5 feet 4 inches - Weight: 160 pounds - Ethnicity: Asian Issue Duration: 3 weeks Location: United States Relevant Medical History: Approximately three weeks ago, I underwent gallbladder removal surgery. Recently, I have observed a slight amount of cloudy fluid emerging from the surgical site over the past few days. Just moments ago, I noticed a possible pus discharge from the incision. While there is no significant pain, I do feel mild soreness when shifting my position. I have not experienced any fever or chills, and there is no unpleasant odor coming from the wound. Should I continue to clean the area with soap and water, or would it be prudent to seek immediate medical attention at the ER for a professional evaluation?