Upper Gastric pain/Black looking Stools

I  had a fever of 102.2 for 3 days, (which is presentaly gone) with no other symptoms of infection.  I have had along with this fever a very painful, almost stabbing pain between my breast bone and upper gastric region.  it is painful to touch and I feel bloated.  I now have noticed I have black tarry looking stools along with this pain and have had them for 3 days now.  I have felt very tired during this entire episode.  I have taken pepto bismol but stopped taking it 2 days ago, is the black tarry stools from the pepto bismol?  if it is how long does it discolor your stools for?  I am worried because I have a history of taking aspirin in large quantities for many years and have very bad acid reflux.  Is this something I should see a doc for or is the black stools due to the pepto bismol?  

Thanks for your help!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Black stools may be due to upper GI bleeding.  I would have this evaluated immediately.  With a history of heavy aspirin use, this is suspicious for an ulcer or inflammation of the stomach or small bowel.

An upper endoscopy is recommended to rule out this possibility, and should be done ASAP if the black stools are continuing.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[Jwilliams]

I am 29 and I have also experienced the same problems with my stools being black and tarry. It lasted for about 3 weeks or so, but now they are a normal color. However, when they were black, my bottom became very irritated and and got lots of fissures. I have always had "abnormal bowels". I can go 2 weeks w/out going to the bathroom and then it hits me like a ton of bricks. Salads tear my stomach up. I have also been very bloated after eating. I have lost about 35 lbs in the past 8 months. I tested positive for H-pylori in 2005 and was treated w/a mega dose of antibiotics. I had an upper endoscopy in June 2006 that was negative. I was again tested by the breath test 2 months ago b/c of the pain returned and again tested positive and treated w/antibiotics again. I keep having terrible upper left chest pain that radiates through to my back. I also have a hard time swallowing things. I am scheduled to have a test next week to look at how I swallow and I also have an appt. w/ the GI next week too. Any thoughts as to what might be going on?

Thanks,
Amanda