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Rectal Bleed, or Diverticular Bleed. Experience or advice?
Hi All,
49 yo male. Was recently admitted to the hospital for the 2nd time in 3 years for a colorectal bleed. The first time, (almost 3 years ago to the day), I lost about half of my blood supply. Hemoglobin dropped to a 7. I narrowly avoided a transfusion, but after an emergency colonoscopy and endoscopy the Drs chalked it up to a diverticular bleed. . . not inflammation because there was no pain, just massive blood loss. The inspection of the colon shows mild diverticulum (about 5 or 6 locations). Fast forward 3 years, I had another episode and this time hemoglobin dropped to a 10. But once again, the emergency colonoscopy didn't show the source, and I was given very few answers as to cause or preventative measures. So here I am, looking to crowd source as I'm not even sure where to go from here. I'm told that CT angiograms are only good if there is an active bleed, and whenever this happens the prep pretty much clears all evidence out, and after 24 hours the bleeding subsides. Any experience, advice, suggestions would be much appreciated.
Many thanks,
E
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@emodica: Your explanation of the rectal bleeding is similar to the 3 episodes I have had in the last 3 yrs.
My docs have suspected internal hemorrhoids (painful stomach cramps- cold sweats- hard stool- multiple vomiting- diarrhea- headache- feel weak but better after 1-2 hr episode). No more pain, but the Next day I pass medium to small red blood clots (1-3 days with less clots) then back to normal bowel. Weird, huh?!?
I’m anxious to get some posts from our fellow gastro patients on what their consensus will be?!? Thank you for your post Emodica!
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3 ReactionsAt 80, having had diverticulosis and a few bleeds ( one major one, and several minor ), I have learned to just live with this condition. Stool softener medicine does help, because I have constipation at times, too!
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3 Reactions@dbamos1945 thanks for sharing. Curious, do you go to the ER when one of these episodes hit? I loose so much blood so fast that I either pass out or come close to it, so I figure the sooner I get there the less likely I’ll need a blood transfusion.
@foundryrat743 thanks for the advice. Yeah the stool softener recommendation does make sense. Less friction and irritation to the intestinal lining. Regarding just “living with it”, yeah to some extent I understand that idea. Everyone has genetic predispositions they need to deal with. My concern is what happens if I spring a leak on a flight somewhere? I loose so much blood so fast that I pass out. Without and ER intervention I’m not so sure I’d get the opportunity to make it as far as you have 🙂
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3 Reactions@emodica It is not easy, living with diverticular disease, and each person’s case is not the same! So, I did not mean to give the impression of minimizing possible complications from bleeding episodes! I was on blood thinners for a while, and had some concerns when I had diverticular and nose bleeds!! I do understand your very valid concerns. I have several serious medical conditions, besides diverticular troubles. Learning to cope with each particular disorder has been a challenge for me, so my advice of trying to find a positive approach to dealing with one particular disorder, is helpful to me, and I just thought I’d like to share that approach! Again, each person’s particular diverticular disease is different in severity, and some people are more at risk for bleeding than others, so your justifiable concerns must be considered, and thus my recommendation would be to consult with your professional medical Doctor’s and team, and follow their experienced advice and treatment. My personal approach of learning to live and cope with having to deal with numerous medical conditions, one of which is diverticular disease, may not be advisable for other persons, who have different stages and bleeding degrees of diverticular disease, than my particular case.
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4 Reactions@foundryrat743: I really appreciate your directness in your explanation of Diverticular Bleed episodes. In my research of this malady I learned that symptoms duplicate my own episodes. Of course, neither one of us touts the title “Dr.”, however this info has relieved my anxiety about internal bleeding. Whew!
FYI Warning: getting OLD (I’m 81) has many health/body surprises that we never even considered happening to us! Our bodies have lasted a lifetime & it would be weird if they didn’t have weak areas that cause discomfort & problems. We can guarantee there will appear more health challenges as birthdays accumulate!
Thanks Foundryrat743 for enlightening me & others about this problem + symptoms + how to deal with Diverticular Bleeds!
It is a subject difficult to share with others. Best of health & happiness ahead…. dbamos1945
@emodica: Every body reacts differently. If the blood is pouring bright red- yes I would be on the way to the ER & hopefully not pass-out before I got there. Never drive!
However, if the blood is a little tinge darker & formed into clots I choose to wait&see. I have no pain, fever, symptoms of infection - but I assess my health status by symptoms& vitals often. I try to sleep- but close to the bathroom. Lasts 2-4 days til No blood! Normal bowel.
I am not discounting my fear when I have this episode, nor the shock of seeing rectum blood; but, this has been my way of dealing with it.
You are your own best advocate and please trust your judgment.