Black Diarrhea

I am almost three years post gastric bypass. 

Have anyone experienced black diarrhea with what looks like black chips?  On Friday I started having diarrhea, I didn't think anything of it until it started changing color.  Then I noticed I couldn't eat anything without going to the bathroom.  I lost 4 pounds in three day, that's pretty scary.

I went to the emergency room this morning and they gave me two bags of IV fluid, but they did not do an endoscopy or anything.  They did call my wl surgeon and he contacted the gastroenterologist he uses and scheduled me an appointment with him tomorrow.  I was just wondering if anyone had any advice?

The ER doctor said it could be an infection and prescribed an antibiotic (Cipro 500 mg).

Thanks in advance for your input.

Sherline

If it is black and you haven't taken any pepto bismol you could be having GI bleeding.  Did you tell the ER about the Black stools?  Did they check for bleeding?

Pup

Yes, they checked for bleeding and the test showed light bleeding.  They think it's an infection but I thought they should have done more tests.  They did take blood and the only thing that was abnormal was my potassium.  So they gave me potassium through the IV.  I'm just scared and concerned.

Thank you for your input.

Pepto bismol and iron can cause black stools but it sounds like your stool tested positive for blood.  They probably said infection due to either an elevated white cell count or they isolated something in a stool sample.  I am sure they told you to return to the ER for any further bleeding (stool or vomitting and the vomit could be dark like coffee grounds), abdominal pain, fever, shortness of breath or chest pain.  Seeing the gastro doc is exactly what you need to do.  if your red blood count was too low they would've admitted you.  Be sure to follow up in the morning, the gastro guy will give you the definitive answer.  In the meantime stay hydrated with clear fluids (water!) and take it easy and absolutely go back to the ER for more symptoms.  Feel better.

You're describing typical "coffee ground" stools, which indicates a GI bleed.  You need to have an upper GI with small bowel follow through, as well as an endoscopy / colonoscopy to determine the source of the bleeding.  If it has been going on for days, you are at serious risk for anemia.  If your primary care physician isn't alarmed, HE SHOULD BE, especially because of your RNY.  The ER doc should have given you a prescription for the tests I've listed.  Ask your PCP for prescriptions, and get the tests done ASAP.

Thank you for replying.  I met with the Gastroenterologist yesterday and I am scheduled for an endoscopy on Thursday, he thinks it may be an infection, but after much research I am agreeing with you.  The doctor did send me for a stool culture yesterday, but he probably won't have the result back by Thursday.  Thanks again for your help.

Sherline

Glad you got an Endo scheduled. Ulcer is another possibility.

Good luck and keep us updated.
Warmly,
Jackie