black stool

[shelmom]

Over the past four (4) days I have had black stools.  I am wondering what this is.  I have not eaten anything unusual and have been feeling very weak and run down.  Can anyone help?

[katey]

You NEED to call your doctor.  black blood means that you're bleeding high up in your gastrointestinal tract, and if there's enough blood to make every stool black for the past four days, its definately worth investigating.  Have you been taking pepto bismal or any iron suppliments?  If you haven't been, its really important to contact your doctor because something is bleeding.  It could be an ulcer, it could be many things, but call your doc!!!

[imkindly]

I just wanted to "second" what Katey said.
You should call your doctor now.

[CRNA]

Unfortunately, black, tarry stools are almost always indicative of bleeding in the small intestine. Possible cause are ulcerative degeneration, polyps or tumors. As others have already commented, you must see a physicin immediately or risk very serious complications. Good luck from a nurse anesthetist.

[eloridas]

SO you don't "freak out" from the posting just above mine, it can also be possibly just a tear OR if you take iron suppliments and/or eat alot of iron rick food.  CALL A GI DOC or advise from your locate ER Dept.

[beamer]

I was diagnosed with 3 small ulcers several years ago. Lucily I have had very little problems with them. However, in the past couple of weeks I have started experiencing the pain they caused previously. I took almost everything over the counter I could find to help ease the pain as I couldn't get a Dr (GP or specialist that I used) to give me anything. Finally my specialist prescribed Nexium & I got hives. They are to get me something else. Meanwhile, yesterday and today I have had black stools, am feeling very weak and tired. I am wondering if this is all associated with my ulcers. I called my specialist's office and they said it was probably because I had taken pepto bismal three days ago and to give it another couple days. I find  that odd since I have taken it before without this type of problem. I need some help deciding what to do now. Hope someone can help.
                                Beamer