[34F] Experiencing blood in stool, migraines, and occasional thin stools

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Hemorrhoids: These are swollen veins in your lower rectum. Internal hemorrhoids are usually painless, but tend to bleed. External hemorrhoids can cause pain.

  • Treatment typically involves over-the-counter creams or ointments, or procedures to shrink or remove the hemorrhoid.

• Anal fissures: These are small tears in the thin, moist tissue that lines the anus. They can cause bleeding and discomfort during bowel movements.

  • Treatment typically involves topical creams to relax the muscle around the anus (sphincter) and allow the fissure to heal. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.

• Gastrointestinal bleeding: This could be due to a variety of conditions, including gastric ulcers, diverticulosis, or colorectal cancer. The latter is less likely given your age and lack of weight loss, but cannot be ruled out without further testing.

  • Treatment depends on the cause of the bleeding. It could involve medications, endoscopic procedures, or surgery.

• Migraines: You've described classic symptoms of migraines, including intense head pain and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines are recurrent and can be debilitating.

  • Treatment typically involves medications to relieve symptoms (like Sumatriptan, which you're already taking) and prevent future attacks.

What you can do

1. Schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor or a gastroenterologist to discuss your symptoms. They may recommend a colonoscopy or other tests to determine the cause of your bleeding.
2. Keep taking your prescribed migraine medication as directed by your doctor.
3. Try to identify any potential triggers for your migraines and avoid them if possible. Common triggers include stress, certain foods, changes in sleep patterns, and hormonal changes.
4. Ensure you're drinking plenty of fluids and eating a balanced diet. This can help prevent constipation, which can exacerbate hemorrhoids and anal fissures.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you:

• Notice a significant increase in the amount of blood in your stool
• Develop severe abdominal pain
• Experience a sudden, severe headache or a headache that's different from your usual migraines
• Have a migraine that's accompanied by fever, stiff neck, mental confusion, seizures, double vision, weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.