[30F] Experiencing prolonged diarrhea and additional symptoms

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, there are a few possible explanations:

1. Gastroenteritis or Infection: Your sudden onset of watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever could be due to a viral or bacterial infection, commonly known as gastroenteritis. This can sometimes cause blood in the stool and is often accompanied by nausea and changes in appetite.

2. Pregnancy: Given your missed period, sore breasts, nausea, and emotional changes, pregnancy is a possibility. These symptoms can occur early in pregnancy, and the light spotting you experienced could have been implantation bleeding.

3. Stress and Medication Changes: The stress from your current situation and recent changes in your medication regimen for anxiety and depression could also be contributing to your symptoms. Stress can affect your digestive system, and withdrawal from medications can lead to physical and emotional symptoms.

4. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, whether due to pregnancy or other factors, can cause symptoms like breast tenderness, emotional changes, and nausea.

What you can do

Diarrhea and Stomach Cramps:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, clear broths, or oral rehydration solutions.
• Eat bland, easy-to-digest foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet).
• Avoid dairy, caffeine, alcohol, and fatty or spicy foods until your symptoms improve.
• Consider taking over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication, but consult a healthcare professional first, especially if you suspect an infection.

Potential Pregnancy:

• Take a home pregnancy test as soon as possible to determine if pregnancy is the cause of your symptoms.
• If the test is positive, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider to confirm the pregnancy and discuss next steps.

Stress and Emotional Symptoms:

• Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle yoga.
• Reach out to friends, family, or support groups for emotional support during this challenging time.
• Consider speaking with a healthcare professional about your recent medication changes and any withdrawal symptoms you may be experiencing.

Tracking Symptoms:

• Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track your progress, and gain insights into potential triggers or patterns. This information can be helpful to share with your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Persistent or worsening symptoms, such as severe abdominal pain, high fever, or continued blood in your stool.
• Signs of dehydration, such as dizziness, dry mouth, or decreased urination.
• Severe emotional distress or thoughts of self-harm.
• Positive pregnancy test, to ensure appropriate prenatal care and support.

Remember, while I can provide guidance, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.