Ask Your Health Question. Health Experts Answer You ASAP.

(Not a Health Question?)

Stool
Sent to Health Experts August 09 02:14 PM

I am getting a colonoscopy next week but for the past few days, I have had black stool, very loose or very hard. What does that mean? What should I do?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $5
Answer
August 9 2:17 PM (3 minutes and 49 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

Hi

Black stool can mean blood. It can also be the result of taking iron or foods high in iron.

I'm glad you are having the colonoscopy. It will rule out if there is serious trouble.

You might want to let the doctor know today about the black stools though.

If you start having weakness, or stomach pain, or start vomitting anything that looks like coffee grounds, you will want to get to an ER as soon as you can.

Hope that helps,

Kerry



Kerry, RN
Please click the accept button if this has helped you. A bonus is always appreciated as well.
Kerry -- Nurse (RN)98% Positive Feedback on 4051 Health Accepts
35 years in Nursing: OB/GYN, Peds, Oncology, hospice, Ortho, Neuro, Addiction, Recovery, Geriatrics
Reply
August 10 8:55 AM (18 hours and 37 minutes and 15 seconds later)
         
Reply to Kerry's Post: Thank you. Should I let my specialist know, or my regular doctor how does that work?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
August 10 9:26 AM (31 minutes and 19 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
Other than iron some other foodstuff can also cause black stool
Certain foods

    * Iron supplements
    * Beets
    * Licorice
    * Pepto-Bismol
MD doc -- Doctor (MD)97% Positive Feedback on 4662 Health Accepts
Physician.
Reply
August 10 10:58 AM (1 hour and 31 minutes and 58 seconds later)
         
well I did take pepto, but that was after the fact, but I did not eat any of the foods mentioned
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Reply
August 10 11:11 AM (12 minutes and 48 seconds later)
         
Reply to Gaurav Gupta's Post: thanks!
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Reply
August 10 11:13 AM (1 minute and 59 seconds later)
         
Reply to Gaurav Gupta's Post: Can anyone who veiws this let me know if I should let my doctor or my specialist know?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
August 10 9:03 PM (9 hours and 50 minutes and 14 seconds later)
         
THIS ANSWER IS LOCKED!
You can view this answer by clicking here to Register or Login and paying $3.
Kerry -- Nurse (RN)98% Positive Feedback on 4051 Health Accepts
35 years in Nursing: OB/GYN, Peds, Oncology, hospice, Ortho, Neuro, Addiction, Recovery, Geriatrics
Think you can answer this question?
Login or Become an Expert

Related Answers

 

DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the JustAnswer service comes from those individuals, not from JustAnswer, and that JustAnswer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on JustAnswer are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. JustAnswer is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.

JustAnswer > Online Health Advice