Black Stool

GadgetOne
GadgetOne Member Posts: 5
in Colorectal Cancer #1

I had a positive cologuard test almost 2 weeks ago. I'm still waiting for my colonoscopy. Here's my issue. Over the past 4 days my stool has gone from brown to solid black. I have looked everywhere for what that means and can't find anything except Black Tarry stool, like tar. I am not having that and cannot find any article anywhere about what could cause solid firm black stool. I know it means there is bleeding from somewhere higher up than the colon but i also have NO symptoms of anything related to cancer's. I feel like it's probably a bleeding ulcer but i don't have all of those symptoms either. Getting really nervous and am ready to head out to the hospital but not sure if i should just wait for the colonoscopy, which is another 10 days. Anyone have any suggestions??

Comments

  • Lily Flower
    Lily Flower Member Posts: 260 Member
    #2
    I know any black stool is not

    I know any black stool is not good whether tarry or not. Definitely it's bleeding somewhere higher up. While you wait for the colonoscopy, see if you can schedule an endoscopy for your upper digestive system. Go to the ER unless you have excruciating pain, otherwise I would just wait for the colonoscopy. I know waiting is always the hardest. We tend to think of the worse senario. Hang in there and good luck!

  • beaumontdave
    beaumontdave Member Posts: 1,280 Member
    #3
    Bleeding/ Black stools are an

    Bleeding/ Black stools are an important symptom, but aren't indicative by themselves of CRC, and certainly doesn't suggest metastasis is happening. That said, it was a long wait from slight rectal bleeding at the end of July, until that Sep. 18 scoping that found mine, so I know the feeling. Not much else to do for 10 days, but keep busy, and hold a good thought..............................Dave

  • Betsydoglover
    Betsydoglover Member Posts: 1,248 Member
    #4
    black stool

    That normally indicates upper GI bleeding.  Happened to me from use of arthritis meds - please go to the ER.  I needed an EGD (upper Gi scope) and a couple of blood transfusions. 

     

  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    #5
    Stools

    I've written on the other post about black stools and although they can indicate blood in stools it can also be caused by Iron supplements, pepto bismol, and some other medications.  I've seen your other post about Fish Oil but can't comment on that type of supplment being a cause as I've not heard of that.  Unfortunately the wait is the worst part of this whole ordeal.  Usually with a full colonoscopy they need you to be completely clear in the digestive system (hence the prep) and can't do a full test until that prep is done and wouldn't be able to see much if they didn't give you one.  You can call your doctor and explain the situation and see what they think - they might be able to get you in earlier or give you peace of mind.  Wishing you well.

    Kim

  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    edited December 2017 #6
    Cologuard

    Also I've heard many people get not very accurate results with that.  If you really want a true test - get a completely colonoscopy - nothing over the mail.  It's important for actual testing.

    Kim

  • Mwikoff46
    Mwikoff46 Member Posts: 40
    #7
    Waiting is horrible and that

    Waiting is horrible and that's why I went to.ER asap...made them as.it me and do the colonoscopy and endoscopy. Very next day..I don't care if u tell them.your in horrible pain so they will admit and do right then. Its called peace of mind and I didn't care what the bill is ill pay monthly for life. Don't wait ..10th days is a long time for your mental well being

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