stress?

[vanessa]

I am a 18 year old college student, and I work 40 hours a week, with a fairly heavy pre-medical course load.  I am in my 2nd year of college, and have never experienced any chronic stress before, but lately I have noticed many arbitrary symptoms, some of which could be serious.  I have had severe stomach cramps, migrains (which I've never had before), weight loss, vomiting, and even rectal bleeding.  Could all of this be caused by stress, or is there a more serious underlying problem?  I've never had any reason to go to a doctor before, I'm perfectly healthy, I'm a vegetarian, get plenty of exercise, and I don't smoke or drink.  What could be causing this?

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Venessa:

I am sorry to hear about your problems.  I think that it is time that you get a full physical exam.  The vomiting, cramping, migraines could be stress related but usually not the weight loss and rectal bleeding.  There might be something worrisome that needs to be addressed.  This would especially true if your menses is abnormal.  I would first see your family physician and get worked up.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[dcmd]

Rectal bleeding can be serious so you should absolutely go right to your doctor!

[tracy]

I am 29 years old and I went to the doctor this past month for almost the same syptoms (symptoms) you experienced.  The only thing I have not experinced is the vomiting.  The rectal bleeding in my case was caused by an enternal hemorrhoids.  Sometimes I do feel as if I want to vomit, it has calmed down though since the doctor gave me medication for my hemorrhoid. I also have headaches not migrains.  I asked the doctor about the possiblity of ulcers.  My doctor said it could be.  I have not gone back since my last visit to find out.  If you have gone to your doctor please give me a reply back.