Bloody stool, other symptoms

[wphilbrick]

About 1 year ago, my wife was diagnosed with an internal hemorrhoid (she had some blood in her stool, had colonoscopy, etc.)  This week she had a ton of blood in her stool a couple of times, has developed a rash on her face (more like really red bloches that sometimes itch), and sometimes is nauseated.  The doctor linked the hemorroid a year ago to stress.  She has been under some stress lately at work.  Do you think that these symptoms are casued by stress?  And should she go into her doctor, and what can we do to help her not have a bloody stool, prevent it?

[Jeffrey S Guy, M.D., M. Sc.]

If this is an internal hemorrhoid, that can be easily checked in the office with a rigid sigmoidoscope.  Hemorrhoids caused by stress—no.  Blood within in the intestine acts as a cathartic and can cause some nausea, but usually that is blood released within the upper intestine.  She needs to be evaluated, and stress is not causing her hemorrhoids.  

[LMacey]

Please have your wife see her doctor.  She could have some internal bleeding just as I have recently found out.  I have ulcers in my esophagus (?) and my stomach.  Treating it with prescription medications and feeling much better.  I didn't notice the blood myself my gastro doctor did.  Hope she feels better soon!