Concerns Over Abdominal and Lower Back Discomfort
Greetings everyone, I’m a 32-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 78 kilograms. My epilepsy is managed with Lamotrigine, and I haven’t experienced any seizures in the past seven years. Additionally, I supplement my diet with magnesium glycinate, vitamin D, fish oil, creatine, iron, and a daily multivitamin. For the past four days, I have been feeling quite ill, suffering from high fevers, a dry cough, a sore throat, and nasal congestion, alongside gastrointestinal issues such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Although my fever and respiratory symptoms have begun to improve, I am still experiencing stomach discomfort accompanied by a frequent urge to use the restroom. However, when I do go, it's often in small amounts that are watery, orange, and sometimes mixed with light pinkish blood. I have hemorrhoids, so they could be contributing to the bleeding. Recently, I have noticed a shift in the nature of my discomfort, which now includes dull cramping sensations in my lower back that extend towards my pelvis, as well as painful spasms that travel down to my abdomen and sudden sharp pains. Interestingly, I've found that walking seems to exacerbate these pains. Given my previous experiences with gastroenteritis, this feels notably different, which has left me anxious about the possibility of a more serious issue. I’m reaching out to see if anyone thinks this warrants concern or if it might just be a case of gastroenteritis. Thank you!
Answers (1)
2/5/2026, 2:10:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your experience. Your symptoms are understandably concerning, especially with the presence of abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood in your stool. While gastroenteritis could be a potential cause, the bleeding and change in your symptoms suggest that it's important to approach this carefully.
Key Points:
- Current Symptoms: You have high fevers, a dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and the presence of blood in your stool. Your discomfort now includes lower back pain that worsens with movement.
- Previous Condition: You have a history of gastroenteritis, but your current symptoms are different enough to warrant vigilance.
Explanation:
Gastrointestinal infections can cause many of the symptoms you're experiencing. However, the blood in your stool, along with your persistent abdominal pain and lower back discomfort, raises concerns that could indicate other issues, such as inflammation, infection, or complications from existing health conditions like hemorrhoids.
Bleeding in the stool can also be a sign of something more significant, especially since it’s light pinkish. While hemorrhoids can cause minor bleeding, the combination of new symptoms necessitates attention.
Immediate Action Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms Closely: Keep track of your symptoms, including the frequency and appearance of your stools, as well as any changes in your fever, pain levels, or additional bleeding.
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Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, especially because diarrhea can lead to fluid loss. Consider oral rehydration solutions or electrolyte drinks.
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Diet Adjustment: Eat bland foods (like rice, bananas, applesauce, toast) to help your digestive system reset. Avoid dairy, spicy foods, and high-fiber foods until your symptoms improve.
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Rest: Allow your body to recover. Resting can help manage your fever and overall fatigue.
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Consider Over-the-Counter Treatments: Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications (such as loperamide) may help manage symptoms but use them cautiously and only if the diarrhea is not accompanied by high fever or blood.
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Seek Urgent Attention: If you notice:
- Any worsening of abdominal or back pain.
- Increased bleeding or changes in stool color.
- Persistent high fever or worsening respiratory symptoms.
- Signs of dehydration (such as dizziness, dry mouth, or reduced urination).
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Avoid Strain: Given your hemorrhoids, avoid straining during bowel movements, and consider using topical treatments for hemorrhoidal discomfort if necessary.
If you feel your symptoms do not improve in the next day or two or if you develop new symptoms, it would be advisable to seek medical attention for a comprehensive evaluation.
You are not alone in this, and we wish you a smooth and swift recovery!
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