Symptoms: Diarrhea, Abdominal Pain, and Blood in Stool

Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and blood in the stool?

Hello Doctor: In the past two to three weeks, I have experienced the following symptoms and would like to inquire about what might be happening: (1) Change in bowel habits - I used to have a bowel movement every two to three days, but recently it has changed to almost one to two times a day, occasionally going two to three days without a bowel movement.
I experience little to no abdominal pain before or during bowel movements.
(2) Diarrhea - My stools are often unformed, or they are formed at the front and unformed at the back.
I only had one instance of diarrhea accompanied by cramping.
(3) Blood in stool - For the past two days, my stool has had a light red color on the surface, but this only occurred after consuming small amounts of red foods, such as two small pieces of watermelon or two thin slices of tomato.
A few days ago, my stool contained small pieces resembling carrot bits.
(4) Intestinal cramping - I frequently experience cramping pain in my intestines, lasting about thirty seconds each time, with the pain occurring in the left abdomen, right abdomen, and around the navel.
(5) Aching from the left pelvis to the buttocks.
Could you please advise what this might indicate? I previously visited a clinic, and the doctor diagnosed me with irritable bowel syndrome after a physical examination, but I feel that some of my symptoms do not align with IBS, which has caused me to become anxious.

Polly, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/11/08

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery

At the age of 23, we would typically diagnose irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
If you feel that it is not IBS, you can ask your physician to arrange a colonoscopy to alleviate your concerns.
If the results of the examination are normal and the symptoms persist, sometimes adding antidepressant treatment can also help improve these symptoms.

Reply Date: 2014/11/08

More Info

Based on the symptoms you've described, it appears that you are experiencing a range of gastrointestinal issues, including changes in bowel habits, diarrhea, blood in the stool, abdominal cramps, and pelvic pain. These symptoms can be concerning, and it's understandable that you feel anxious about them.
1. Change in Bowel Habits: A shift from having bowel movements every two to three days to one to two times a day can indicate a change in your digestive health. This could be due to dietary changes, stress, or an underlying gastrointestinal condition.
2. Diarrhea: The presence of diarrhea, especially if your stools are not well-formed, can suggest a few possibilities. It could be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. However, it could also indicate an infection, inflammation, or even food intolerances. The fact that you experienced cramping before a bout of diarrhea may further support the possibility of IBS, as cramping is a common symptom.

3. Blood in Stool: The presence of red streaks in your stool can be alarming. While it could be related to minor issues such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures, it can also indicate more serious conditions such as diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or even colorectal cancer. Given that you mentioned only consuming small amounts of red foods, it’s crucial to have this symptom evaluated by a healthcare professional.

4. Abdominal Cramps: The cramping you describe, which seems to move around your abdomen, could be related to intestinal spasms. This is often seen in conditions like IBS, where the intestines can become overly sensitive and reactive to various stimuli, including food, stress, or hormonal changes.

5. Pelvic Pain: The pain you feel from your left pelvis to your buttocks could be related to several factors. It might be connected to gastrointestinal issues, but it could also be related to musculoskeletal problems or even gynecological conditions, depending on your gender and medical history.

Given that a physician has already diagnosed you with IBS, it’s important to consider that IBS can present with a variety of symptoms, and not all symptoms will fit neatly into the IBS diagnosis. Stress and anxiety can exacerbate IBS symptoms, leading to a cycle of discomfort and worry.

Recommendations:
- Dietary Adjustments: Keeping a food diary can help identify any potential triggers for your symptoms. Consider a low-FODMAP diet, which has been shown to help many individuals with IBS.

- Hydration: Ensure you are drinking enough fluids, especially if you are experiencing diarrhea.

- Stress Management: Techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or cognitive behavioral therapy can be beneficial in managing stress, which may help alleviate some of your symptoms.

- Follow-Up: Since you are experiencing concerning symptoms like blood in your stool, it is crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may recommend further testing, such as a colonoscopy, to rule out any serious conditions.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may align with IBS, the presence of blood in your stool and significant changes in your bowel habits warrant further investigation. It’s essential to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about all your symptoms and concerns to ensure you receive appropriate care and management.

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