Very dark, hard stools (almost black)?
I have a problem with constipation. I have had it for almost 2 years now. I have been on prescribed medication for the past year. When I don't take it, I usually go every 4-5days. When I do. it's probably every other day. Anyway, I went to the toilet today and my stools were very dark and hard. They were almost black. Why is this? What should I do? I'm really worried.
Dark stool - almost black?
Blood in stool - see causes of blood in stool for various possible diagnoses. Internal bleeding Gastrointestinal bleeding Rectal bleeding Stomach bleeding Certain foods Iron supplements Beets Licorice Pepto-Bismol Stomach bleeding - usually causes darker or black blood in the stool. Peptic ulcer Gastritis Esophageal bleeding (type of Gastrointestinal bleeding) Stomach cancer Cirrhosis of the liver Certain stomach conditions See also other causes of black stool, stomach bleeding, or causes of gastrointestinal bleeding TopConditions listing medical symptoms: Dark stool:The following list of conditions have 'Dark stool' or similar listed as a symptom in our database. This computer-generated list may be inaccurate or incomplete. Always seek prompt professional medical advice about the cause of any symptom. TopA Abdominal Cancer ... black tarry stools, black/tarry stools Acinic cell carcinoma ... black stool Adenocarcinoid tumor ... black stool TopD Duodenal ulcer due to antral G-cell hyperfunction ... black stool TopE Esophageal varices ... blackened feces TopG Gastric erosion ... black stool Gastric Ulcer ... black stools Gastritis ... black stool Gastrointestinal bleeding ... black stool Gastrointestinal neoplasm ... dark stool Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors ... dark tarry stool TopH Hemorrhagic proctocolitis ... black stool Hookworm ... black stools TopK Korovnikov syndrome ... black stool TopP Peptic Ulcer ... black stool Plexosarcoma ... black stool Portal hypertension ... black stool, dark stool TopR Rectosigmoid neoplasm ... black stool TopS Small Intestine Cancer ... black stool Small intestine cancer, adult ... black stool Spira syndrome ... black stool Stomach cancer ... tarry black stool, black stool TopT Thrombocytopenia ... black stools TopV Variceal Bleeding ... black stool
Dark stool?(almost black)?
Dark, sticky, tarry stools are an indicator of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. This is usually not as serious as it sounds. By "upper" GI, it means that the bleeding occurs in your stomach or esophagus--or possibly your mouth. The blood goes through your digestive system, which is what turns it into the dark, sticky stuff. You may have some rawness and irritation on your insides from the vomiting and diarrhea, which is perfectly normal. Stomach acid regularly erodes the lining of the esophagus, and so this kind of thing is common afterward. Another possibility is that you are seeing the results of taking a bismuth-based medication. Pepto Bismol and related medications are frequently taken for heartburn, upset stomach, and diarrhea. The active ingredient coats the digestive system, and turns a very dark greenish or brownish color, sometimes appearing to be black. This will alter the texture and odor of your stools significantly. Usually, the medicine will stain the back of your tongue also. If you have taken any in the past week, that is likely the cause. Look in the back of your throat to see if you can see any discoloration there. This effect is harmless. In the event that you have irritated your esophagus, stomach, etc., be gentle with your diet for a few days. Avoid spicy and acidic foods, chew your food well and eat slowly, and stay away from alcohol. Alcohol, especially hard liquor, will prolong or even worsen the symptoms. Unless you have an active stomach ulcer, the symptoms should go away within a day or two. In the meantime, if you feel weak or anemic, consult a physician or go to the hospital. Dangerous blood loss from this is extrememly rare, but it can happen. Otherwise, take care of yourself, and you should return to normal in a couple of days.
Should I consider my very dark brown (almost black) stool as a medical emergency?
My father had to have his intestine removed shortly after showing me a stool of his that was nearly black in color. He had colon cancer.
Dark green/almost black stool....any suggestions?
Hello. Yesterday, I ate McDonalds and then I threw it up because it made me sick. Then I felt like I had to go to the restroom but I couldn't. So I finally went just now and all of it was a normal brown color and then at the very end, it was dark green and almost black. I have read that this can mean that there is blood in the stool if it is this color however, I have heard that it is usually all of the stool that comes out is discolored and that its texture is comparable to coffee grounds. Someone please help me out. I am a hypochondriac so therefore, I am worried with bleeding stomach ulcers altho I have never been diagnosed with any. Any suggestions would be appreciative!!!
Why is my poop dark brown, almost black?
My first poop was a soft long poop not like solid chunky poop. It was brown on the outside with dark brown the inside. My second poop was like 20 minutes later. It was diarrhea and that was also dark brown, almost black. I don't understand what is happening. My diet hasn't changed at all. I have eaten anything that is dark in color either. So please can someone give me some advice before I spend a lot of money to the doctors?
Why is my stool black/dark brown?
Seriously, I would love to help, but I do not know.I am not a doctor.I have not personally had such an experience.What I do know from hearsay, as in family chatter, you know how big a Chinese extended family can be, particularly when my maternal grandfather had 4 wives, is this:-When I was young, I overhead my mother and her sisters and cousins chatting about a distant relative's son who had black faeces.It turned out he had some sort of 'internal bleeding'. Because my mother and aunties were not talking in medical terms, who knows what 'internal bleeding' is?Pick any Chinese word and it can have at least five different meanings depending on the context, the tone of the voice and the accentuation.I suggest that you go see a doctor and take a stool test, and if necessary followed by a colonoscopy.I had a stool test done, quite a few months ago now. It is sort of mandatory for men once they turn 65, but it is fully paid for by the Government in Australia.The test kit came by post, I sent back the stool samples by post. The stools were just standard yellowish brown. I was however informed a week later that they detected blood in my stool samples.As directed I saw my doctor immediately, but he had already been informed, as I had put his name down as my GP. He referred me to a bowel specialist, he had to he said, or he would be disciplined by the Medical Board.The bowel specialist recommended an endoscopy (check for stomach ulcers) as well as a colonoscopy (check for polyps in the bowel).I was under general anaesthetic.When I awoke, I was told there was acid burn but no ulcers (I was told to take my baby aspirin (blood thinner for my heart problem) after dinner instead of after breakfast) and that I had 3 polyps removed from my colon, just in case they get malignant and become cancerous.I have been directed to take more fibre in my food. I was until then mainly a meat person.So, on my unrelated experience, I would advise that for peace of mind, go and see a doctor. Better be safe than sorry. Nip the problem, if any, in the bud.The surgery was not cheap, but I only had to pay the 'excess' as the health fund that I belonged to paid most of the cost.Vincent Cheok
Dark green/almost black stools? please help asap!?
Okay so no one really answered my last post. I'm 18 and I'm very healthy. Yesterday, though, I had a little bit of diarrhea and today I had another bowel movement in which my stools were dark green, almost black. I've been on Miralax for about two weeks now because of formerly infrequent bowel movements. I also have hyperthyroidism (I just got my blood test results back yesterday and my levels are slightly low, so I'm going from 15mg to 10mg daily of hyperthyroidism medication). I also have minor stomach discomfort. I eat very healthy foods, though. Pretty much the only junk food I've had would be a chocolate cupcake (with green frosting) at a party last night. I had green stuffed peppers for dinner, and I ate lots and lots of red grapes the other day. Other than that, I eat plenty of lean meats and proteins, fruits, and vegetables. I've had stomach problems in the past, mostly with minor acid reflux. However, I've had a barium swallow and an abdominal ultrasound (done in March 2008) and everything is normal. I just started going to a new GI doctor a couple of weeks ago, and she's not concerned about my stomach issues. She prescribed Miralax, which has been fine up until yesterday. I did have blood on my tissue once, but I called my doctor and she told me that it was just a small hemorrhoid. What could this be? Could it be due to the foods I've been eating (please keep in mind that I've never had green stuffed peppers before)? I'm really, really nervous. My mom said there's been a stomach bug going around, though. Please help. Thanks!
Can eating alot of oreo's cause your stool to be very dark almost black?
the past couple days i have been eating oreos alot because i have my period, but i noticed since eating them i have had very dark brown stools almost black, i look at the poop and when it gets moved, it has a brown color to it, if it was black it would be really black not have some brown in it? can someone help!!
Can drinking grape juice turn your stools dark brown, almost black?
I'm 18 and I'm quite healthy, but since I had an ASD and mitral valve repair when I was 6, I thought it might be a good idea to start drinking some grape juice for the added heart health benefits. I get cardiac checkups regularly and I'm completely fine, but obviously some extra antioxidants can't hurt. so anyway, I was wondering if drinking grape juice could actually make your stools turn dark brown, almost black? I only have one 8-ounce glass a day. Originally, I thought it was stomach problems because I've had issues in the past. But within the past year I've had a barium swallow, abdominal ultrasound, and an abdominal CT with barium (as of about 2 weeks ago) and everything was fine. My doctor wanted to check for a hernia, but luckily there wasn't one. I was just concerned because I did have a little bit of stomach discomfort over the past couple of days, but now it seems that my stools are getting a little bit lighter too. so yeah, I'm sorry to ramble on like that... just thought I'd give you some idea of the past medical history and such. I'm an otherwise healthy eater -- I pretty much stay away from red meats and I eat PLENTY of fruits and some vegetables, whole wheat pastas, and lean meats like chicken.