Dark/Slate Gray Stool?

[Mike42]

I am a very active 42 year old male with a rather embarrassing question.

On Sunday, I passed 2 dark gray/slate colored stools. For some reason,
it caught my attention (since it's normally brown), and I immediately went to
google and typed in 'gray feces.' To my horror, the first results included
Pancreatic Cancer, Malabsorption, Liver Disease, etc. I didn't sleep a
wink Sunday night. I know that sounds ridiculous, and I'm usually not
that dramatic or over the top, but liver and pancreas issues frighten me.

All bowel movements since Sunday have been back to brown which makes
me feel a little better. Other than the 'gray' experience, I have no
pain or health issues. I feel great and exercise everyday. I do take many workout
supplements including Nitric Oxide, Tribulus (natural testosterone enhancer) drink
2-3 protein shakes during the day that have myriad vitamins/minerals in them and
vitamin D-3 for immunity.  

Is it possible this was diet or supplement related? Can it be normal to have an occasional
'dark gray' bowel movement? As a side note, I did have quite a bit of red wine the night before,
but drinking is rare for me and I have never smoked.

I guess my fear of pancreas/liver disease (especially after Swayze incident) issues has prompted
me to make this posting, especially having 2 young boys to raise.

In your expert opinion, what should I do (if anything)?


Mike

[Enoch Choi, MD]

Lori707's advice to get an opinion from a gastroenterologist is reasonable, but it could help to see your primary care physician first.  This is since your stools have returned to normal.  There are many reasons stools change color, with different foods consumed, or with blockage of bile from coming out of your gallbladder (your urine would darken in that case), or lack of production of bilirubin or bile.

Enoch Choi, MD

[Lori707]

It's good that they sank.

Still take my advise and see a Gastrointerologist.

[Mike42]

Hi Lori,

They both sank to the bottom. Also, all brown
stools have sank as well since Sunday, including
today's.

Thanks,
Mike

[Lori707]

Don't feel embarressed. It's good that your stools are brown again.
Question: When you passed the grey stools, did they float or sink?

Don't panic. There could be many reasons for that happening. I would suggest that you go to a Gastrointerologist and also your primary.