Concerned About Strange Stool Appearance
I’m a 40-year-old woman with a history of diverticulosis, and I have a concern about my bowel movements. For the last five days, I’ve been experiencing dark, loose stools that are nearly black. While I’ve only felt mild abdominal discomfort that comes and goes, I began feeling nauseous today after eating, although I haven’t vomited. Over the past two years, I’ve encountered a few flare-ups related to my condition. Notably, I spent eight days in the hospital about 18 months ago due to an intestinal puncture, which thankfully healed naturally without any medical intervention. Currently, my symptoms seem to differ from those typically associated with diverticulosis. For the past week, I have been taking methocarbamol 500mg, consuming two pills at night to manage severe muscle cramps. I’m uncertain if my current symptoms warrant a visit to the emergency room or if I should simply wait to consult my gastroenterologist. Although I’m not feeling critically ill, I am certainly experiencing discomfort. I also wanted to share some pictures for clarity, but I’m unsure how to do that, as the option isn’t available. I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights on how to proceed with my situation.
Answers (1)
8/6/2025, 2:20:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're facing some concerning symptoms with your stool appearance and mild abdominal discomfort, particularly given your history with diverticulosis. Dark, loose stools can indicate several things, with some potentially requiring urgent evaluation.
Explanation
- Dark Stool Causes: Dark stools can be a result of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, which could be serious if the bleeding is significant. The fact that you describe them as nearly black might indicate something related to upper GI issues rather than your diverticulosis.
- Symptoms Monitoring: Mild abdominal discomfort and nausea can be related to various gastrointestinal issues, including for example, irritation or inflammation. While it's good that nausea is mild and you haven't vomited, the combination of your symptoms should still be monitored closely.
Next Steps
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Immediate Evaluation (Recommended): Since you are experiencing dark stools, mild discomfort, and nausea, I recommend that you seek medical evaluation as soon as possible, ideally today. It’s better to err on the side of caution, especially given your history.
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Document Symptoms: Keep a log of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their intensity, and any changes in your bowel movements. This information will be useful for your healthcare provider.
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Hydration: Ensure you stay well hydrated. Drink clear fluids—water, broth, or electrolyte solutions—especially if you're feeling nauseous.
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Avoid Certain Foods: Until you see a physician, try to avoid foods that may further irritate your gastrointestinal tract, such as spicy foods, caffeine, and high-fat items.
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Medication Awareness: Be aware that methocarbamol generally should not cause the symptoms you're experiencing, but any new medication can have different effects. Consider when you began taking it in relation to your symptoms.
While you indicated you are not feeling critically ill, the nature of dark stools necessitates timely medical attention. If you notice any worsening symptoms, such as severe pain, vomiting, or additional changes in bowel habits, please seek urgent care immediately.
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