Nausea, Gagging, Bleeding and Constipation: What's It Mean?

For the past several months, I have been experiencing bouts of nausea. It is intermittent, but seems to pick up in the late afternoon/early evening. Before you jump to the “bun in the oven” theory, know that I have heard it many times – I am on birth control and am experiencing normal periods. I am also a smoker and have started gagging while smoking. As you can imagine, this has greatly lessened my desire to smoke, so I am working on quitting.

About a month ago, I went through a three week period during which I started to have major constipation. I was feeling a constant need to relieve my bowels, but nothing would come out when I would try to go. Much straining ensued and my stomach became distended. I was constantly uncomfortable. I started taking laxatives and would have 1 bowel movement the following morning, but it didn’t amount to much. My stools varied in color and were much smaller than I am used to. I also tried a mineral oil enema, but all that came out was the oil.

At that point, my insurance had about two months before it kicked in, so I went to a Walgreens Take Care Clinic and the nurse practitioner recommended Align, a digestive probiotic. (She wanted me to have some further tests done but said I could wait until my insurance kicked in unless I started experiencing pain. She also mentioned ulcerative colitis?) I have been taking Align for about a month now and it seems to have helped with my constipation, but now I am experiencing the nausea again, coupled with mild heartburn.

The new treat that has me a bit worried? I’ve also started spotting. This isn’t bright red blood, it’s very pale in color, like it’s mixed with a whitish substance. Again, I’m not pregnant – I’m religious about taking my pill and have no other symptoms of pregnancy. This has been going on for at least four months now, so I would expect to experience some other symptoms. I’m not due for my period for another 2 weeks and am very regular. This is weird.

I have a family history of uterine cancer, Crohn’s disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease and diverticulitis. About 4 years ago, I had part of my cervix removed (via a LEEP procedure) due to “moderate dysplasia”. I don’t think I am a hypochondriac and am generally a very healthy 27 y/o. WHAT is going on with me? Can I continue to wait to see a doctor? I have a month to the day until my insurance kicks in and can’t afford to pay for expensive testing unless the need is absolutely dire.

[patient915]

This may not be causing your problems, but it is very dangerous to smoke and to be on the birth control pill at the same time.  Does your doctor that prescribed the birth control pill know you smoke?  Is the spotting you are talking about from your vagina not your rectum?  You might also want to try a med for reflux like prevacid and see if that helps.

[buddhaqueen077]

Yes, my doctor knows that I smoke and with what frequency. I have been told by several doctors that the target range for concern is 35+. Both doctors that prescribed me my birth control have felt comfortable issuing the prescription. Of course, they told me to quit for my general health, but then, everyone does. Like I said, I'm working on it. I am down from a pack a day to a little less than 1/2 a pack but it is a process.

I am spotting vaginally. A few times, I have noticed anal bleeding as well, but attribute that to straining.

Thanks for the advice, I may try that!

[patient915]

I wouldn't be too concerned about the vaginal spotting, this is pretty common on the birth control pill even if you have been on it for a while.  For the anal bleeding, you might have hemorrhoids (which can happen from straining) so if you get pain or itching there, you can try an over the counter hemorrhoid cream.