Health TMI/WWMLD

[Deleted]

I've been sick since Thursday evening. 
We got back from walking home from dinner and I had to run to the bathroom and had diarrhea. I've had d ever since then (it is Tuesday morning here). I've also had awful stomach cramps that usually come on before I need to go to the bathroom and generally go away if I go to the bathroom. 
I felt a little better yesterday and got to the gym and went for a walk in the evening, but I woke up around 3:30am last night with awful cramps and had to go to the bathroom. I probably made 5 trips to the bathroom between then and now and noticed in the past few trips that there is blood. My stomach is hurting pretty consistently right now.

I've googled and WebMded and both recommend getting to the doctor if you have bloody diarrhea, so I put in an appointment request for our local health carrier and listed the symptoms in the comments box, but I probably won't hear back for another few hours. Am I ok waiting until I hear back and going to an appointment later today, or do I need to see a doctor sooner than that? 

Thanks for the advice. 

[StormyDixon]

Sounds like me when my ibs flares up

[hopecounts]

How's your hydration?
My big concern is the bleeding and possible dehydration.
I'd probably go on in to be safe, mainly because they have some meds that'll stop the D and have you feeling better why suffer any longer that you have to, especially since it could be dangerous.

[wambam]

How much blood?

If it's red-tinted poo, I would hold off until you hear back from your doctor. If it's liquid blood coming out of your bum, I would see a doctor before that.

ETA: Also, if it's very dark in color (like brown), that's more of a cause for concern

[vmars]

It could also be food poisoning.

[saraandmichael]

what color is the blood?

[TrickyBob]

I'm the queen of poop problems. Sometimes I just get so irritated from having to go so often that I'll bleed some. Fresh blood. That when you wipe it might show up some because of being irritated and where.

Blood, mostly dark, actually IN your poo is a cause for concern. If so, I'd try to get an appointment sooner. But if it's fresh blood, I'd say you're okay with waiting until you get your appointment. Just don't push getting an appointment off because it's better to get checked than to assume everything is okay.

[nursewife]

I would see a doc and take some Imodium in the mean time. Keep drinking water as it can really dehydrate you. Have you been near anyone with c diff, or been tested for diverticulitis or ibs?

[Deleted]

The blood is red.
I've taken anti diarrheals about 4 times since Friday and was taking Symethicone over the weekend. I was feeling better yesterday so I didn't take anything.
I've been drinking a lot - water with Gatorade until I ran out yesterday and just water since then. I've been peeing frequently and it is pale yellow so I think I'm doing ok there.

ETA: The Immodium and other anti diarrheal I took didn't help at all. Not sure if I wasn't taking enough of it, but it had no effect.

[Deleted]

Is there blood in the poo or just blood when you wipe?

[Deleted]

Jul 8, 2013 18:49:15 GMT -5 @ygmg said:

Is there blood in the poo or just blood when you wipe?

It seems to be in the poo. 

[tigermom]

I'd probably stay away from the anti-diarrheals for now, unless a dr. tells you to take them again. You could try eating yogurt (maybe 2 containers/day) and bananas. That combination is usually pretty good at naturally stopping you up and restoring the natural flora to your intestines. You should be fine to wait for your appointment though.

ETA: Make sure you get yogurt that has live, active cultures. Most of them do, but just check to be sure!

[Deleted]

Jul 8, 2013 18:51:04 GMT -5 @juliash said:

Jul 8, 2013 18:49:15 GMT -5 @ygmg said:

Is there blood in the poo or just blood when you wipe?

It seems to be in the poo. 

Ah ok. I know sometimes when I end up with bouts of diarrhea that my hemorrhoids flare up and cause a bit of bleeding, but I've only noticed it once or twice in the actual poo. It's mostly when I wipe. 

[Deleted]

I'm going to go ahead and wait a few hours to hear back about an appointment and if not I'll call and make one and make sure I'm seen today, but from the sounds of it I don't need to go in immediately, which is good because it would mean going to an ER (no Urgent Care/Prompt Care places here) and I'm not in the mood to deal with that.

[snickers]

After having D for that long, and Imodium not working, I would see a doctor for sure.
I would not rush to emerg or anything though.
I would also follow the BRAT diet in the mean time, because they will probably advise you of that anyways.
I hope you are feeling better soon!

[lilybug]

If it's red blood, it's probably due to irritation from having diarrhea for so long. I would keep your appointment, stay well hydrated (sounds like you're doing a good job) and eat gentle / bland foods (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, tea, yogurt, etc.)