Black oily stools?

Posted by frouke @frouke, 21 hours ago

I saw my doctor 3 weeks ago after a routine blood test and heard that my iron is low. He asked if I had any symptoms like bleeding vaginally and I said no, however 3 weeks later I had several bowel movements that were dark and looked like tar, I know some of the reasons for this to happen but I’m a lung cancer survivor so my mind sadly goes to all the worst case scenarios!! I’m hopefully looking for some encouragement the good people in Mayo, 🙏

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Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | 3 hours ago

@frouke
Earlier this year, I had a GI bleed due to ulcers. Doctors asked many questions about my bowel movements. I did not have black stools. The combination of low iron and changes in stool definitely needs to be investigated.

This article from Mayo discusses the reasons why bowel movements have different colors:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diarrhea/expert-answers/stool-color/faq-20058080
Black could be due to diet or indicate upper GI bleeding. Did your doctor recommend iron supplements due to low iron?

Have you contacted your primary about this change in bowel movements?

frouke | @frouke | 1 hour ago

In reply to @roch "@frouke Earlier this year, I had a GI bleed due to ulcers. Doctors asked many questions..." + (show)

@roch Yes he mentioned that my iron was low and prescribed iron but I can’t take the side effects so I didn’t use it. The dark stools just occurred the week so I went back to the doctor and he wants another blood test to check hemoglobin levels and see if they dropped since previous test. I do realize that it’s upper GI because the blood is dark, I’m just worried because I fear it’s cancer and I always have a habit of putting myself through hell. Thanks for your response, it’s really appreciated, Frouke.

connilou | @connilou | 54 minutes ago

I am seeing a pulmonologist for a "concerning nodule" in my upper right lung. I'm also having GI problems. HH and changes in bowel habits. I'm thinking maybe it's the sucralfate I've been taking for a while. It's scary, isn't it? Getting answers is like pulling teeth, but maybe I don't really want to know. I am praying for you right now. I'm trusting my Lord. He is the Great Physician and is the definition of love, grace and mercy. God bless you.