IBS and coffee ground stool? Should I be worried?

Posted by Twocoastsm @marlenec, Jun 6, 2023

I am hopefully just getting over an IBS flare up. I took two doses of Imodium and a few pepto bismol tablets a few days ago, had no BM for two days, followed a low FODMAP protocol and now have had two “coffee-ground” BMs. I’m not sure if I need to call my GP - don’t have a GI yet since I’m new to this area. Has anyone else experienced this?

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...no but I have similar problem and do get "rabbit pellet" poops after Imodium !!! then it goes back to fecal incontinence never formed.... and it goes back and forth and has done for years.... be interesting to read further comments... J.

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It may be good to keep a record of what you eat and in what amounts--also any supplements and medications and when you take them-- and how your body reacts, to share with your physician(s), and also to find any patterns you may be able to see yourself.

Personally, I've had bad reactions before to things that I thought would help me. One example is that I tried to use magnesium citrate to prevent migraines and finally found out that citric acid can actually be a trigger for a small percentage of people with migraines. including me, apparently. So in my opinion it sometimes helps to keep as comprehensive a diary as you can, even though it is rather tedious.

And yes I think you should see someone about it. They would probably also want to know if you are experiencing any pain with your other symptoms.

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Pepto Bismol can cause a very dark stool. If this is what your dark stool is from, and you aren't taking anymore Pepto, it should lighten up.

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Pepto Bismol can temporarily cause a very dark blackish brown stool. Once you quit the Pepto Bismol, it should clear up and the stool should no longer have a dark color.

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Thanks - I never knew that!

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Pepto can cause black stool... Coffee ground usually indicates blood but it probably is from the Pepto

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More research needs to be done; Polyethylene Glycol Toxicity Symptoms Miralax, LaxaClear and more names
While it’s well-known among the medical community that PEG can trigger an allergy, cause digestive upset, or lead to electrolyte imbalances, there have been more and more reports of neurological symptoms associated with polyethylene glycol. Because of this reported increase in neuropsychiatric side effects, parents and pediatric practitioners are becoming increasingly wary of administering polyethylene glycol to adolescents.

A recent study found that a large percentage of parents, caregivers, and practitioners described an explosion of neurological side effects seemingly correlated to polyethylene glycol administration. Those side effects include:10 Abnormal behavior, Anger, Anxiety, Mood swings. Seizures, Sensory disturbances.
Exactly how and why polyethylene glycol is triggering these neurological symptoms is still not entirely clear. And whether or not these side effects also extend to adults and geriatric patients will require further studies as well.

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