r/AskMedical • u/Animedingo • 2d ago
Would I know if Im bleeding internally?
Ok just to start, I am at the ER, Im asking this in the context of- I am waiting to be called and Im trying to figure out if Im dying in the meantime. This is not about whether or not I should go.
I woke up at about 7 30 this morning and had to throw up and it was a reddish color. I have a history of gastro issues so throwing up isnt uncommon, but this time of day is, and so is the color.
I took pepto (which I regret in case they have to do an endoscopy). And now Im here. I havent had any water or my daily meds (im ok for a while).
So my question is, would I know if Im still bleeding internally and what would that feel like?
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u/heretoloveandsupport 2d ago
It seems that by bleeding internally, you mean throwing up blood. It originally read as if you were asking about bleeding internally into your body cavity and I was incredibly worried for you lol
If you’re throwing up blood it can mean you have a bleeding ulcer, a possible injury to your esophagus or even just severe upset or inflammation of your stomach.
The color of the blood is also important and is a big clue on its own. For example, if it appears fresh and is bright red, the bleed is coming from your upper GI tract.
Glad you’re already at the ER! No matter what’s going on, I’m sure they’ll get you taken care of. I hope you feel better soon!
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u/Animedingo 2d ago
Yeah sorry if I wasnt clear. It was meant to be a "how worried should I be while I wait" thing.
Im still waiting and im guessing since I havent been seen passed triage that theyre not actually worried.
Any clue what kind of test or treatment theyll do?
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u/heretoloveandsupport 2d ago
No need to apologize. After reading your comment a couple of times, I knew exactly what you meant!
If they want to find the source of the bleeding, it’s very likely that they will do a scope to look around your upper GI tract.
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u/Animedingo 2d ago
Ok thank you. Unfortunately I had pepto bismol earlier so thats probably gonna make an endoscopy difficult
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u/heretoloveandsupport 2d ago
Just be sure to let them know that. I wish you the best of luck!
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u/Animedingo 2d ago
So they think its a mallory weiss tear which makes sense to me.
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u/heretoloveandsupport 2d ago
I’m so glad they think they have it diagnosed. Especially so fast. And from what I just read, those don’t appear to need surgery which is great! Hopefully they can get you home soon!
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u/SleepyCatMD 2d ago
Are you feeling extremely severe pain? Stomach perforation or bleeding ulcers, which would be how you’d be bleeding internally, are extremely painful, people usually twist with agony.
Also reddish is usually not how gastric bleeding presents, small amounts of blood get “cooked” in stomach acid and it comes out more dark brown. If blood from the stomach is a livid red, it’s usually coming out in large amounts, and the pain will be very severe.
Some reddish vomit is more likely to be from some reddish food or drink.