Understanding Major Gastrointestinal Bleeding Due to Angiodysplasia
Hello to everyone reading my lengthy post; your attention is greatly appreciated. I’d like to share some of my medical history for context. I have undergone treatment for stage 3 anal cancer and stage 1 lung cancer, during which a portion of my lung was surgically removed. In addition, I developed a permanent stoma due to complications from deep vein thrombosis in my leg, which resulted in nerve damage that affects my mobility. Recently, I have experienced four significant gastrointestinal bleeds, leading to the discovery of angiodysplasia in my small intestine. Unfortunately, I have been waiting for a double balloon endoscopy for the past ten months, and I suffered another bleed in April. In September, I began treatment with octreotide following four unsuccessful hospital discharges and multiple blood transfusions. A recent fit test returned a value of 332. Due to the doctors’ initial concerns about possible cancer, I underwent an emergency colonoscopy through my stoma. During the procedure, the doctors found additional bleeding blood vessels, which they cauterized. They've informed me that their ability to assist is limited to managing my symptoms until the scope is performed. To address my anemia, I have been prescribed iron supplements, though I am skeptical of their effectiveness given my ongoing bleeding issues. One primary concern I have is that since starting octreotide, my stools have become significantly darker, and the iron tablets are likely exacerbating this, resulting in completely black stools. I am trying to understand how to distinguish the normal effects of these medications on my stools from potential signs of continued bleeding related to the angiodysplasia. Thank you to everyone who has stuck with my lengthy account; your support means a lot to me.
Answers (1)
8/12/2025, 2:01:55 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your situation and medical history; it helps provide a clearer understanding of your concerns. I genuinely appreciate your patience, especially given the challenges you're facing with ongoing gastrointestinal bleeding and angiodysplasia.
Main Points:
- Dark, black stools can indicate a few things, including the normal side effects of iron supplements and possible continued bleeding.
- Monitoring your symptoms closely and understanding what to watch for can help differentiate between these.
Explanation:
Black stools, often described as "melena," can result from the ingestion of iron supplements, as well as reflect internal bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract. Given your history of angiodysplasia and recent treatments, it's essential to remain vigilant about any changes in your stool color, especially if they might signal unresolved bleeding.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Your Stools:
- Keep a diary noting your stool color, consistency, and any additional symptoms (like pain, dizziness, or fatigue).
- If you notice a significant change towards tarry or black stools without any indication of the iron supplement's influence, or experience other warning symptoms, take that seriously.
-
Stay Hydrated and Manage Anemia:
- Continue your prescribed iron supplements — be patient as it takes some time for iron levels to increase and for your body to recover from bleeding.
- Focus on hydration and eating iron-rich foods, paired with vitamin C (like oranges or bell peppers) to enhance absorption.
-
Communicate with Your Medical Team:
- Inform your healthcare providers about the color change in your stools and any new or worsening symptoms. Documenting these changes can provide helpful information during your follow-up care.
- Seek clarification on the expected effects of octreotide and iron supplementation regarding stool appearance along with your healthcare provider to ensure you’re informed about what’s typical vs. concerning.
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Wait for the Scheduled Double Balloon Endoscopy:
- While you manage these symptoms, it’s important to stay on track for your upcoming double balloon endoscopy, as it may provide further insights into your situation.
- If the waiting becomes too lengthy or you experience recurrent bleeding or critical symptoms, discuss the possibility of expedited evaluation.
Your experiences are valid, and it’s natural to seek clarity. Please take care of yourself and remember you are not alone in navigating this situation. If any specific symptoms arise or if you're ever in doubt, reaching out to your healthcare team will be essential. Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to discuss!
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