black stools and pain

[fayzie]

Dear Doc, Please bear wih me as this may b e long.  Eight wks ago I had surgery for a very large adom hernia and a bad gallbladder.  Healing has been slow and I starte to have pain in chest.  I went to my heart doctor and he did a heart cath.  He said my arteries are still open and the pain must be from something else.  I have now started to have very black tarry stools with foul oder ad still am having pain in chest.  Could this al be from my surgery for gallbladder.?  should I be concerned, the stools are about three a day and the pain comes and goes.  Thank you for takin my question.  Fayzie

[Morecambe]

Hi Fayzie - I agree wholeheartedly with the previous comment.  Black tarry stools are called "melena" (or similar spelling) and you can find out more causes and background by typing in this word to medical websites etc etc.  Melena should never be ignored.

Although the previous comments are correct - I would just point out one additional fact.  Lower intestinal bleeding can also give rise to melena by virtue of blood refluxing upwards in the digestive canals to the upper intestines where it mixes with digestive juices that adapt its appearance to the tarry form.

In other words, although the most likely cause is upper G.I. bleeding, I suggest that you also ask for a colonoscopy in addition to the endoscopy just in case your bleeding source is lower G.I..

If you type in my "nickname" Morecambe, you will discover that I originally contacted this site following a total colectomy for torrential diverticular bleeding (i.e. lower intestinal bleeding) which casued melena.  According to the kind Medhelp surgeon's reponse this was consistent with the symptoms I have described above - i.e. although melena normally indicated upper G.I. bleeding, it can originate from lower G.I. bleeding..

In addition an angiogram sometimes locates the bleeding source - but I believe that bleeding needs to be phyically taking place when this procedure is carried out as it will not locate the course of "dormant bleeding".

Hope this helps and good luck.

Morecambe

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Black stools needs to be evaluated promptly for an upper GI bleed.  Because of this, I would seek medical care ASAP.  An upper endoscopy should be done to exclude any source of bleeding.

A foul odor from the chest can be due to the surgical scar.  An infection can lead to this, and should be evaluated by your surgeon.

If the pain continues, imaging the abdomen should be done with a CT scan or ultrasound.

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.
www.kevinmd.com

[lizziecee]

Hi Fayzie - The doctor does not reply usually at weekends so I hope I can help somewhat, although not a doctor.Don't be a bit concercerned about spelling or grammar  - you are in need of help and no-one would even think of those parameters.

I have had Crohn's for some 37 years, with some horrendous rectal haemorrhages and been hospitalised on numerous occasions. Black tarry stools usually means you are bleeding from the small intestine - bright red blood from the large colon. Please go and see a doctor, preferably a gastro - you need this sorted out very quickly.

Perhaps Dr. Pho, who is brilliant, may explain things differentally, but believe me, I have been there, bleeding into a toilet in an ER room for two hours when on holiday in Florida and I nearly died, but the for intervention of my very aggressive friend. She saved my life - last I remember in the Er room was a doctor saying "we are losing her". My bp was 70 over 40 and that was not good.

Tarry stools always need attention - there has to be a reason for them.

High white blood counts can be a sign of inflammatory bowel disease... Crohn's particularly, as I have. You really do need to see a gastro as soon as you can and get the problem sorted out.Can you get your doctor to do a calprotectin stool assay test? This will show if you have any inflammation in your gastro tract, and if high, lead them to a conoloscopy or endoscopy.

Do what is necessary - no-one is more concerned about your body than you. You just need to be pro-active.

Take care,
Liz.

[fayzie]

Dear Doctor,  I am sorry for the question I posted, as the spelling and grammer was outragious.  I will blame the computer.  I need to add to my question,  During the past three months I also have had a very high white blood cell count, and pain in all my joints,  Hiopfull you can help me determine if I should have concern