OpenHealth Q&A

Persistent Blood in Stool: Seeking Answers After Being Dismissed

Subject: Possible Reasons for Continuous Blood in Stool – Need Insights Background: I’m a 5’4” woman in my early twenties residing in the UK. Although I’m on the heavier side, I consider myself muscular and my weight is uncertain. I was prescribed medications for ADHD, including Fluoxetine and Melatonin, but my concerns began to escalate prior to starting these treatments. Additionally, the issue surfaced before I engaged in vaping or smoking. For the past three to four years, I have consistently noticed blood in my stool, and it’s not just a small amount—there is quite a lot. It may sound unpleasant, but the blood often appears dark red with brownish clots that seem to have coagulated, making it evident that this has persisted over time. Every bowel movement results in deep red discoloration of the toilet water, accompanied by significant abdominal pain that can be intense enough to double me over, though it's not excruciating. The core of my problem—hence my reaching out here—is the lack of satisfactory responses from medical professionals. I’ve consulted three different doctors about this condition. The first physician acknowledged my concerns but suggested it might be due to hemorrhoids or anal fissures. I accepted that diagnosis and anticipated treatment after an endoscopy, but much to my surprise, they found no signs of hemorrhoids or fissures during the procedure. I had experienced bleeding that very morning, so I knew the issue was present at the time. Following that, I was scheduled for another endoscopy a few months later. The issue persisted daily, and the subsequent doctor performed a digital examination as well. Again, there was nothing abnormal discovered. I was informed that further investigation with a biopsy and possibly a colonoscopy might be necessary, but ultimately nothing materialized. A few months after that, my doctor scheduled yet another digital exam, but during this appointment, he largely dismissed my concerns. He suggested that the bleeding could be attributed to my menstrual cycle. Given that I have an IUD and experience only light spotting, his theory seemed implausible—if it were my period, the volume of blood would be alarming and would imply a continuous cycle for three years. I am entirely confident this is not menstruation. He eventually concluded that I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), despite me having regular daily bowel movements without other related issues. It felt as if he labeled me with IBS merely because he was unsure how to further diagnose the problem. His advice included cutting out grapes, apples, nuts, and fizzy drinks, which I adhered to for three years without any improvement. Regrettably, this situation has led to difficulties in securing further medical appointments; I find myself classified as low priority in the triage process, as my issue has been ongoing without resolution. With all this in mind, Reddit community, I’m reaching out for your perspectives on potential causes of my symptoms. I feel compelled to educate myself before returning to the doctors, as I fear being labeled as low priority once again may harm my future chances of receiving appropriate care. Does anyone have insights on what might be causing my symptoms? Or suggestions for steps I might take to alleviate this troubling condition?

Answers (1)

9/5/2025, 4:10:59 PM

OpenHealth AI

I'm sorry to hear about your ongoing struggles with blood in your stool, and I truly empathize with your situation. Blood in the stool can be concerning and is important to investigate further, especially given its persistence over the past few years.

Main Points:

1. Possible Causes: Blood in your stool may stem from various issues, including gastrointestinal conditions like polyps, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn's disease, or vascular problems.
2. Action Steps: It's crucial to seek further evaluation through appropriate diagnostic tests like a colonoscopy, if not yet completed, to identify the cause accurately.

Explanation:

Blood that appears dark red with clots can indicate bleeding somewhere in the digestive tract. Since you have received different diagnoses and have undergone various examinations without a definitive answer, it’s understandable to feel frustrated and anxious. Heavy periods of blood over an extended period, including severe abdominal pain, require further investigation beyond initial examinations. Conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis often manifest with these symptoms, and the standard therapies for IBS may not alleviate your issue if this is the underlying problem.

Next Steps:

1. Document Symptoms:

   • Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting when the blood appears, its characteristics, the presence of abdominal pain, dietary habits, and any relevant factors (such as stress or physical activity). This information can be crucial for your healthcare provider.

2. Request Comprehensive Tests:

   • Approach your healthcare provider and request a thorough evaluation, emphasizing the persistence of your symptoms and the need for a colonoscopy if it hasn't been performed recently. Try to express that you understand the challenges but need a definitive diagnosis to rule out serious conditions.

3. Consider a Second Opinion:

   • If feasible, seek a second opinion from a gastroenterologist. Explain your situation, previous consultations, and request follow-up tests. Specialists can sometimes provide additional insights or approaches that general practitioners may not consider.

4. Stay Informed:

   • Educate yourself on potential conditions that could cause your symptoms, such as IBD or other gastrointestinal disorders. Being informed may help you communicate more effectively with healthcare providers.

5. Lifestyle Adjustments:

   • Maintain a balanced diet and ensure adequate hydration; avoid foods that historically exacerbate your symptoms until you have a clearer diagnosis. While previous dietary recommendations may not have helped, maintaining a healthy gut environment is beneficial.

Reassurance:

It’s understandable to feel dismissed, especially when you know something isn’t right. Your symptoms are valid, and advocating for your health is critical. Continue to be persistent in your search for answers, and don't hesitate to seek care from specialists if needed. You're taking an important step by reaching out for information and support.