Stool: Should I be worried about internal bleeding?

I think you should get that checked with your dr. My GI always tells me that if I have black stool I need further testing for blood loss. Good luck to you.

@jadillow - Welcome to Connect! Your question about stool is very appropriate for the GI site. I assume this is the first time you have black stools? How black are they? Like tar? Also, have you taken PeptoBismol or similar? They will cause black stools. You should DEFINITELY contact your doctor- they can easily test the stool for blood.
Please let us know what is happening!

Unless you take iron-ferrous sulfate pills- you should be checked for internal bleeding.

I just noticed it today. Haven’t took any other medicine besides my normal stuff. I have started drinking hibiscus tea but unsure if they caused any issues. It didn’t tar like. Just darker than normal

Just update. Back to normal this morning with exception of consistency which is normal for me. No black. GERd is no fun 🙁

@jadillow You must be relieved. It must simply be something you ate, various things can cause that. If you have any recurrences try to remember everything you have eaten that might have caused it, but hopefully it will not come back. If you do trace it something I will be curious to hear what it was.
JK

Hello @jadillow,

I am glad to hear that you are back to normal. @contentandwell made a good point about the foods you have been eating. Certain foods (like beets, blueberries, spinach, etc.) can turn your stools very dark. Iron supplements can have the same effect. Here is an article that I found on this topic. It lists digestive tract conditions as well as foods that can cause dark stools. Just click on the link,
https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-can-cause-red-stool-or-black-stool-1941726
It would be good to talk with your doctor about it because it could indicate a digestive issue that needs to be treated.

I have an appointment with a specialist at the end of the month. I am at work now and had a sharp stabbing pain in one spot in my upper stomach for a few seconds. Possibly an ulcer but I’ve never had anything like this so I don’t know

@jadillow I'm glad to hear you will be seeing a specialist. If something is wrong you can find out then, and if not it will set your mind at ease. I hope you will let us know what you hear when you go.
JK

What to do if you notice blood in you stool