Sorry to ask but Black Stools

How long should I expect to have black stool? I am 5 days post-op. I am going to Ottawa for my f/u on Friday, should I wait that long?

Hey Sunny, I seem to recall that black stool would be a reason to go to the emergency? It can be a sign of internal bleeding? I would call the clinic asap or a nurse at the health info line - maybe? 

I hope you are alright - it's probably nothing but you should maybe visit the ER and have the doctors make the call. I hope you are okay. 

Nerak

I would get it checked but I get very dark stool from iron supplements.

Michelle

Thanks guys. I just put a call into Ottawa - left a message.  I do remember them saying it is normal for dark stools just out - and to not take iron because it causes false alarms as far as internal bleeding goes.

I have done a search on it and get an array of answers.  I have been taking my temperature and it is normal, and my blood pressure is good too (I may no longer need to take my BP meds).

I guess I will wait till morning and make another call.

Thank you!

I had that post op as well. Then a few months post op it became almost white or pale yellow.

Thanks for letting me know this. I feel fine but I am waiting to hear back from Ottawa. It's comforting to know someone else has had this. Appreciate it.

I wouldn't call Telehealth unless you really need to. They are quite skittish and unnecessarily  called an ambulance on my behalf one night. Call the clinic and Aspen or Allison will get back to you. Be sure to ask to leave a message for one of them, though. 

First of all - never say sorry for talking about poop. We love that stuff!!!

Second of all - everyone is individual, some people's stay black a little longer than others. Trust yourself, if you don't think its right, ask someone who knows.If you don't feel satisfied by someone's answer, or if you don't feel like you're being taken seriously, then keep bugging until you get some satisfaction.

Third of all - people have answered this, and told you what YOUR stools will look like in a month or so. That's wrong. Your stools will look like your stools look. EVERYONE's stool is individual. Mine, after a month or so, were the same as they ever were. That, however, doesn't mean yours will be. Yours will be yours. You will have to learn what your normal is.

I seem to recall that it is quite normal when you are first out. remember they were operating on your tummy and there may have been residual bleeding. However check with you centre.  

So funny for me to have this issue (or non issue) because I cannot stand talking pooh..LOL

I left a message on Ottawa's phone last night, have not heard back.

Just called and left a msg for Christine at Kingston - on her direct line so I anticipate all call back soon!

Thank you everyone for the poop talk...I do feel fine with the occasional tummy twinge but that is about all I have....