black tarry stools

75 yr. woman experiencing black tarry stools for past two wks,biet unchanged,no new meds. was taking celebrex,d/cd
that 2wks.ago. only meds are synthroid,0.3 premarin,four
perservision a day(macular degeneration) have been in good
health,have some epigastric discomfort belching,don't eat
spicy food,etc. My internest did a rectal said no bleeding
had a cbc drawn & iron level have not heard results.Said he
saw no reason for more testing,thought it was something eaten
which I strongly disagree. Colonoscopy negative 2yrs ago.
I think I need an EGD done. stools black tarry mushy.
Would like your opinion,  Thanks Dootsie

[Kevin Pho, MD]

EGD indeed would be the next step.  At the very least, an upper GI series should be done, but an EGD is the better, more comprehensive study.  Tarry stools are suggestive of an upper GI bleed - either caused by an ulcer, or inflammation of the stomach, esophagus or small bowel.  

Even though Celebrex is associated with a decreased risk of bleed, it still can happen.  I would suggest discussing these tsets with your personal physician as soon as possible.  

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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[grace198]

A related discussion, tongue was started.