Concern about Dark Stool
Hello everyone, I am a 27-year-old woman weighing 10 stone 3 pounds and currently not on any medications. For the last week, I have noticed that my stool appears to be black. Last Friday, I had a very dark brown bowel movement and spotted some blood. I consulted with a doctor who conducted a rectal examination. He mentioned that it didn’t appear black, rather just dark brown, and suggested that the bleeding might stem from small hemorrhoids that he observed. While he expressed that he wasn’t overly concerned, he offered the option to take a FIT test stool sample to assess for any bleeding if I felt uneasy. I have since requested the test kit and am waiting for it to arrive by mail. Since that visit, my stool has maintained a very dark brown color, with some instances showing black. This morning was particularly alarming; the initial part of my stool was brown, but as I continued, it changed to an almost entirely black color. Although it was primarily black, it didn’t seem sticky or tar-like when I examined it with tissue, as it didn't adhere when pulled apart. The only significant change in my routine has been an increase in physical activity; I’ve been hitting the gym frequently and have taken up running on a treadmill. However, this has only been part of my lifestyle for about a month, making it puzzling why this change in stool color would manifest in just the past week. I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice regarding this situation. Thank you!
Answers (1)
7/5/2025, 9:50:32 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about changes in your stool color, particularly when you've noticed blood and a shift to very dark brown or black stools. Let's break down what could be happening and what you can do next.
Key Points:
- Dark or black stools can indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, but they can also result from dietary factors or medications.
- Your doctor has assessed you for hemorrhoids, which could explain any blood you observed but may not fully account for the dark stool color.
- Since you've already requested a stool FIT test, that’s a crucial step in understanding any underlying issues.
Explanation:
Stools that appear black can often result from bleeding in the upper digestive tract (like from the stomach or esophagus), but they can also be caused by iron supplements, certain foods (like black licorice or beets), or medications (like Pepto-Bismol). Since your doctor noted that the color seemed more dark brown, it's possible that dietary factors or recent physical activity, which can affect your digestion, could be playing a role.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close watch on any further changes in your stool color, consistency, or if you notice additional bleeding or any other unusual symptoms (like abdominal pain, dizziness, or weakness).
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Dietary Review: Consider your diet over the past week. Have you consumed foods that could darken your stool? Common culprits include black beans, blueberries, and iron-rich foods.
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Await FIT Test Results: As you have requested the FIT test, it’s a good indicator to check for hidden blood in your stool. As soon as you receive the kit, make sure to follow the instructions accurately for reliable results.
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Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Balanced Diet: Increase your fiber intake gradually to aid your digestion—this can include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Drinking enough water is equally important to support digestive health.
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Contact Your Doctor If Needed: If your stool remains black or you experience any alarming symptoms (significant pain, continued bleeding, etc.), consider reaching out to your healthcare provider before the FIT test results come back for further assessment.
Taking these steps should help you stay informed about your health while also addressing your concerns in a proactive manner. Don't hesitate to reach out with any more questions or updates!
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# 7-Month-Old Child with Abernethy Malformation - Exploring Treatment Options ## [7-Month-Old] Identified with Abernethy Malformation (Congenital Portosystemic Shunt) - Treatment Methods? **Age:** 7 months **Gender:** Female **Height:** Age-appropriate **Weight:** Currently 9 kg, was 2.8 kg at birth **Ethnicity:** Asian **Duration of Symptoms:** Present since birth **Location:** Uzbekistan **Pre-existing Health Issues:** Abernethy malformation (congenital portosystemic shunt), liver hemangiomas, chronic jaundice, anemia **Current Treatments:** Supportive management --- ## INITIAL PRESENTATION (June 2025 - July 2025) Our daughter arrived on **June 27, 2025**, presenting with: - Birth weight: **2.8 kg** - Marked jaundice (yellowing of skin and sclera) - Pale or clay-colored stools - **Bilirubin level: 245 μmol/L** (typically <20) An immediate ultrasound indicated multiple liver anomalies, initially thought to be hemangiomas. --- ## FIRST COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT (August 1, 2025 - 1 Month Old) ### Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) with 3-Phase Contrast (August 1, 2025): **RESULTS:** - 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Cons: Surgical scar, longer recovery time (7-14 days in hospital) - Duration: 2-4 hours ### Option 3: **Liver Transplantation** - We have been advised this is not necessary as the portal vein is functional and liver health is improving. --- ## SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: 1. **With a functional portal vein (6.1 mm) and improving liver function (ALT normalized), is it advisable to pursue endovascular closure as the preferred treatment?** 2. **Despite ALT levels improving, the bilirubin remains consistently high (242). Should this be a cause for concern? Is there a prospect for it to normalize post shunt closure?** 3. **Are the hemangiomas/nodules (11.6×20.7 mm) linked to the shunt? Will they likely resolve following shunt repair?** 4. **How urgent is the proposed intervention? Is immediate action required, or is there flexibility to wait a few months?** 5. **What complications should we be vigilant for during the waiting period?** 6. **Regarding endovascular closure - what is the average success rate for infants aged 7 months? Are there concerns regarding the shunt size (9.9 mm)?** 7. **The measurement of the portal vein has shown improvement from 6.1 mm to 3.9 mm; should this be perceived as a positive sign or a reason for concern?** 8. **Are there special directives (diet modifications, medications) we should consider while awaiting the procedure?** 9. **Post-procedure, how long should we expect it might take for:** - Normalization of bilirubin levels? - Return of stool color to normal? - Resolution of jaundice? - Regression of hemangiomas? 10. **Can you recommend any specialized centers for pediatric Abernethy malformation treatments? We are located in Uzbekistan but are prepared to travel (to Turkey, Russia, South Korea, etc.)** --- ## ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - No family history of hepatic diseases - Pregnancy and delivery were normal - No additional congenital defects identified - Immunizations up to date - No history of bleeding disorders - No signs indicative of encephalopathy - Child is alert and engaged --- **I can supply actual MSCT images and comprehensive lab reports if they would be of assistance.** We sincerely appreciate any insights you can provide. We are striving to make the most informed decision regarding our daughter’s care and highly value expert medical opinions. **TL;DR:** 7-month-old diagnosed with Abernethy Type 2 malformation (9.9 mm portocaval shunt, patent portal vein). Liver functionality is improving (normalized ALT) while bilirubin remains elevated (242). Evaluating options between endovascular coil embolization and open surgery. Seeking expert advice on optimal treatment strategy and timing.