questions, questions, questions...any answer?

Does anyone know, exactly what a black, tarry stool looks like.  My diet recently hasn't been great and my stool color has been a very dark brown.  I don't know if the stool is an actual definite black or if it is just a really dark brown.  I don't know if i'm worrying over nothing or what?

[lucy808]

Black, tarry stools are exactly that...black and sticky/slimmy.  Not dark brown.. They indicate an bleed from the upper gi track.  You can alway get your stool tested for blood if you aren't sure.  I am pretty sure you would know it if it was truly black/tarry.  Good luck.

[lkim]

what does it mean if my stool used to be a light shade of brown to a dark brown almost black color. When my diet is the same even healthier and i exercise on a regular bases. I am experiencing at times nausea, tiredness, and randomly my stomach will hurt. Do you know anything about my symptoms????

[bbaggins]

Sounds like it either might be an ulcer or iron deficiency. Either way, I would mention it to your doctor.