Medical question (gross) -- anyone have any quick answers?

[Rajah]

Apparently my flu is coming back on me and I'm concerned.

After dinner, I ended up getting sick at both ends. I've been throwing up and having diarrhea. The last part of each had a little blood in them, the first time I've had that happen to me in as long as I can remember.

If I'm feeling like I'm not going to get sick again for the next few minutes at least, is blood appearing something I need to go to the ER for right now, or can it wait until I can go in to the doctor tomorrow?

 

[TheLionKing]

Bleeding from both ends would be a unusual for "flu".

Also influenza season doesn't start until January.

You might want to call your doctor and get some advice tonight.

 

[Rajah]

The reason I'm thinking it's flu/cold/virus is because several people at work are out with the same thing.

I was out of work for a week a couple of weeks ago with this.

 

[helenabear]

I'd call a doctor... that doesn't sound to be very good for a stomach virus at all! The blood is what would make me call quicker than anything else. So call and see and for blood from both ends, I'd go to the ER if you can't get a hold of a doctor, but that's just me. I hope this isn't anything serious though {{hugs}}

 

[Gail T AGAIN]

I would call the doctor or go to the ER. I hope you feel better soon, keep us updated.

 

[Serena]

I don't have any answers for you, but I hope you get better really quick.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Well, Tammi, I will certainly defer to one of our DIS doctors, TLK, with good advice here. Maybe Deb will give you a second opinion later on. Hope you feel better soon, Tammi.

 

[Briar Rose 7457]

I agree with Dan -- do what TLK recommended -- he's a great MD.

 

[missymouse3367]

Is the blood coming from both ends? You need to keep yourself hydrated, eat jello, popcicles, gatorade. You should call the DR. on call to let him/her know what's up. They can reassure you. Hope ya get to feeling better soon.{{hugs}}

 

[Dream]

Well this DIS nurse says get thee to a doc...tonight! Let us know how you are doing when you can!

 

[ZPT1022]

I would call the doctor **HUGS** and feel better soon

 

[browneyes]

How much blood?

 

[Rajah]

Okay, at everyone's recommendation (thank you), I called the doctor's after-hours number. They recommended that since the amount of blood in both instances was minor, I would be best off to wait until tomorrow morning and go in first thing tomorrow morning unless it gets worse or I'm in pain. I'm not in any more serious pain than usually accompanies throwing up, and at both ends it was a minor amount -- just enough to notice and go "that's not normal..."

So, I'll be going to the gastroentrologist (internal stomach/intestines/etc specialist) tomorrow. My parents and I figure he's the most knowledgable about what could cause this. The nurse felt it was most likely irritation if I wasn't in any serious pain.

In the meantime, I'm drinking warm tea and have DH going after jello, more tea, and some kaopectate.

Thanks everyone.

 

[missymouse3367]

If it was just a little blood it could because things were irritated.If the amount was largeit likely that there is something else going on.

 

[Rajah]

Originally posted by browneyes
How much blood?

Just enough to notice some red. Not much.

 

[Rajah]

Originally posted by missymouse3367
If it was just a little blood it could because things were irritated.If the amount was largeit likely that there is something else going on.

That's why we're getting the gastroentrologist (sp?) involved -- I think it was probably just because of irritation. But, one of the medications I was on up until about a month or two ago has been known to cause ulcers, so we're going to get that checked out just in case.

 

[missymouse3367]

Good plan. The specialist is a great move, it's best to go with someone who know that area very well. Good Luck. {{hugs}}

 

[Doc and Family]

Without knowing your medical history, I would have to advise seeking out an MD sooner rather than later. Some questions they will have include the following:
1) is the blood bright or dark
2) how much is it
3) have you felt dizzy or lightheaded
4) has this ever happened before
5) have you had abdominal cramping
6) have you been taking Advil, or similiar meds
7) do you have high blood pressure
Generally, a little blood (less than a teaspoon) is usually benign, but this is not a hard and fast rule. There are some intestinal illness that cause exactly what you are describing, and most of them require antibiotics. Could you wait until the morning? Probably if you experience no more episodes; but if it continues, I would not hesitate to call my MD.
Good Luck

 

[Rajah]

Originally posted by DocandFamily
6) have you been taking Advil, or similiar meds

Yes, I have actually -- that is a thinner, isn't it? I hadn't thought of that.

And it was less than a teaspoon, even if you put both together.

 

[caitycaity]

btw, you might want to drink water, not tea, since tea is a diuretic.