[40M] Experiencing severe gastrointestinal and dehydration symptoms

Patient Description

A 40-year-old male reports experiencing severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including blood in stool described as dark tar transitioning to bright red, amounting to at least 2 tablespoons per occurrence over the last 5 days. The patient describes the blood as mixed within and coating the stool surface, accompanied by bad cramps, lower back pain, and a constant sharp stomach ache. Symptoms are exacerbated by lying on the back or stomach, with relief only when lying on the left side. The patient also reports significant difficulty with bowel movements, describing them as locked up despite attempts with laxatives, enemas, and dietary changes. The last bowel movement occurred 3 days ago, with stool described as weird green, whipped in texture, and accompanied by a horrible smell. Additionally, the patient experiences severe dehydration symptoms, including dry and cracking lips, an inability to produce tears, a sensation of dry mouth akin to 'sucking on cotton,' pale and pasty skin, and white fingertips. The patient feels an extreme urge to drink fluids but reports barely being able to urinate, managing only once in a 24-hour period with minimal output. There is a history of constipation since age 5, with no normal bowel movement since age 4. The patient also reports bone pain in the shins described as achy with intermittent electric volts and throbbing pain, likened to severe growing pains. These symptoms have persisted for a week, with no relief from any interventions tried. The patient's medical history includes taking Elivil 150 mg once daily and Resulti 3 mg daily.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

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

  • Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the lining of the intestines caused by a virus, bacteria or parasites. Viral gastroenteritis is particularly common and is highly infectious. It can cause symptoms like diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. The fact that your husband is experiencing similar symptoms suggests an infectious cause.

    • Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies. Antibiotics may be needed if a bacterial cause is identified.

  • Ulcerative Colitis Flare: Given your history of ulcerative colitis, these symptoms could represent a flare of your disease. The blood in your stool and abdominal pain are particularly concerning.

    • Treatment typically involves medication to reduce inflammation and control symptoms. Hospitalization may be necessary in severe cases.

  • Dehydration: Your symptoms of dry lips, a dry mouth and throat, pale and pasty skin, and white fingertips suggest that you may be dehydrated. This could be due to your gastrointestinal symptoms leading to a loss of fluids and electrolytes.

    • Treatment involves rehydrating the body by drinking fluids, ideally those that contain electrolytes (such as sports drinks or rehydration solutions).

  • Anxiety or Stress: Your symptoms of feeling dizzy, tired, having trouble sleeping, and feeling like your brain won't stop could be related to stress or anxiety.

    • Treatment typically involves psychological therapies, medication, and lifestyle changes such as regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and reducing caffeine and alcohol.

What you can do

  1. Seek immediate medical attention: Given the severity and duration of your symptoms, particularly the blood in your stool, it's important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible.

  2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, ideally those that contain electrolytes (such as sports drinks or rehydration solutions).

  3. Rest: Ensure you're getting plenty of rest to help your body recover.

  4. Monitor your symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms and any changes. This will be useful information for your doctor.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you:

  • Notice an increase in the amount of blood in your stool or develop severe abdominal pain
  • Develop a fever (temperature over >100.4°F) or chills
  • Experience worsening symptoms or new symptoms

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful health information, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not be covered. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.

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7 mo ago

People Also Ask

What could cause blood in the stool and severe abdominal pain?

Blood in the stool and severe abdominal pain can be caused by several conditions, including gastrointestinal infections, inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis, or gastrointestinal bleeding from ulcers. It's important to seek medical attention to determine the exact cause.

How can dehydration affect the body and what are its symptoms?

Dehydration can lead to symptoms such as dry mouth, cracked lips, reduced urination, pale skin, and fatigue. It occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, which can be exacerbated by vomiting, diarrhea, or inadequate fluid intake.

What are the potential side effects of taking Elivil and Resulti?

Elivil (amitriptyline) can cause side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, and weight gain. Resulti (brexpiprazole) may cause side effects like weight gain, restlessness, and fatigue. It's important to discuss any side effects with a healthcare provider.

What are some effective ways to manage chronic constipation?

Managing chronic constipation can involve dietary changes like increasing fiber intake, staying hydrated, regular physical activity, and sometimes using laxatives as prescribed by a doctor. It's important to address underlying causes with a healthcare provider.

1 Comments

Madelyn#94

7 mo ago

Since you are losing a fair amount of blood in your stool, accompanied by pain and dehydration, and also now can barely urinate, please go to an emergency room right now!

Extensive blood loss can cause your blood fluid levels to go down (essentially dehydration) and this can injure your kidney, which in turns leads to low urine production. If this is indeed the case, the chances are it can be fixed if caught early, so please don't delay!

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