Tell me how to handle this... sorry if TMI

[seagirl]

I've been doing ok this past month or so.  Seeing my psych again and working on some cbt as well as letting celexa do its thing.  Well, then last night...

We go to a favorite restaurant and I have a shrimp salad with 1000 island dressing. I could only eat a bit of it - it just wasn't settling right.  About 45 minutes - 1 hour later, my stomach starts rumbling.  We had a 20 minute drive home and the whole time I'm telling my husband to drive faster because the cramping was so bad and I needed to get to the bathroom. Serious, intense pain and I'm not a wimp.  I make it home and spend 30 minutes having violent diarrehea (sorry tmi).  The cramping was the worst I've ever had when sick.  The last time I went, there was blood in my stool.  It was not just a drop either.  It was mixed in the water and very very obvious. I FREAKED!!!! 

I went to bed certain that I had cancer.  I couldn't understand how food poisoning (if that's what had just happened) could cause blood in my stool.  This morning, there was a little more blood but not as much.  Bright red blood, not dark and tarry.  My stomach is still tossing and turning but I haven't been as sick today.  I went to my doctor and she instantly said food poisoning and that the blood is normal for what happened to me.  She said everything passed through my system quickly and violently.  She didn't do a rectal exam or anything like that.  She felt sorry for me but was not concerned at all that it was sinister. 

So... I'm trying not to worry. Can anyone relate to this? Anyone have any experience or advice on such a topic?  Would a normal person worry if for the next few days there was a bit of blood in their stool?  Help me get through this - I would love your advice. 

Best,
Seagirl

[U2Bad1]

Sounds like a case of food poisoning.  Not surprising that a "violent" bowel movement would cause some bleeding.

[Ravens Lady]

I'm sorry to hear that.

(possible trigger below, food-anxious people, be warned! )






I got food poisoning from a spinach salad on vacation.  I had some TMI type experiences I won't share here.  I felt very nauseous and cramping in my abdomen and my bathroom habits were slightly different if you catch my drift.   Other things too that I don't want to mention.  I'm alive though!   

You shouldn't assume cancer from something like that, especially if it comes on so suddenly.  It makes more sense that something got into your system that your body is reacting to.  And good thing our bodies do their best to deal with these type things as best as they can.  I think you'll be fine in time.  I bet things return to normal in the soon future.  Don't stress over this. 

Feel better. 

[Alphamale13]

I can relate, this latest HA/Depressive episode I'm going thru started as blood on the tp.  Mine wasn't as pronounced as yours, it was just a bit but it certainly was all I needed to trigger an episode.  The first doc said hemorrhoids with no exam of any kind.  I didn't buy it, how could he know without even looking.  2nd doc did the finger exam and a stool card, stool card was negative but she didn't feel anything such as a hemorrhoid or anything so I still didn't get a concrete answer to what it was.  3rd doc gave me an upcoming GI referral to calm my nerves.

So, your not alone.  You can take comfort in the fact you had food poisoning and that definitely could cause some blood in the stool especially if the bm's were violent.  If it were something more serious there would have been subtle symptoms leading up to it.  If it doesn't clear up in a couple of days see your doc again and let them know and let them know what your concerned about. 

[seagirl]

Thank you all so very much for your replies.  I feel a bit better today and things seem to be returning to normal with no signs of blood.  I have never been concerned about such things and don't want to now have an obsession with checking this!  Trying to keep positive thoughts flowing.   

Thanks again.
-S

[catastrophizer]

Hi Seagirl,
Glad to hear you're feeling better today.  Food poisoning is no fun!!!  This same thing happens to my mother in-law when she eats shellfish.  She doesn't have an allergy to it where she breaks out in hives.  Instead, she has the EXACT kind of episodes you described - blood and everything!  Similarly, my baby started having blood in his stool when he was 2 days old and they concluded that he was intolerant to cow's milk.  Since I was nursing him, I had to eliminate all dairy from my diet.  Since his body was rejecting it, the reaction takes place as a "sloughing of the intestines" causing the bleeding.  Could you be sensitive to shellfish and not know it?  I'm sure by now you would know, but just thought I'd mention it.  Regardless of whether it was food poisoning or an allergic reaction of sorts, I'm glad you're feeling better!        

[seagirl]

Wow, thanks for that info! It's nice to know I'm not the only one that has had the type of reaction.  You know, I don't think it's shellfish.  I've grown up around the sea and I've eaten every type of shrimp, crab and fish and I've never had any problems.  But, I've often wondered if there isn't a preservative on the lettuce they use at this restaurant that I'm sensitive to.  I've had mild episodes after eating there in the past but always just thought it was indigestion and nothing real bothersome.  This was different but maybe I'm building up more of an intolerance???   One thing is for certain, I will not be eating there again!!!!