Question:
Two years after surgery, what does it mean if my stool been black lately?

I recently became really ill and couldn't eat or drink anything for 2 days. First I kept vomiting but since I couldn't eat or drink I stop vomiting. After two days of try to force myself to use the bathroom my stool was black. What can cause that?    — sammyaime (posted on November 10, 2010)

November 10, 2010
Dont want to alarm you but looked this up and this is what it says: Black, tarry stools with a foul odor can be the result of eating certain foods, taking iron supplements, or possibly from internal bleeding. You need to get this checked out ASAP
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 10, 2010
You better go see a doctor. Black stools can mean there is blood in them. But the doctor would be the best place to see if it's serious.
   — Barbara P.

November 10, 2010
I have had this problem before. My stool was black and when I went to the doctor he told me there was blood in my stool. After several tests it was discovered that I had a minor tear in my rectal canal due to difficult straining when trying to go to the bathroom. This may not be what is causing your problem, there are actually several causes, but whatever the reason may be it is serious and you need to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
   — kittymama03

November 10, 2010
Samantha, please pay attention to the other replies! This is a very serious sign, especially along with illness and inability to eat or drink. See your doctor immediately. It could be nothing, and I hope that it is, but it needs to be checked out. Best of luck! Bonnie
   — Bonnie H.

November 11, 2010
I just wanted to say thank you for all your advices. It feels really good to have a place where I can ask a question and ppl can give me their thought and opinion. Especially, ppl who have been in a familiar situation. Now I just have to figure out how to pay for doctor and maybe hospital since my insurance no long covers pretty much everything.
   — sammyaime

November 11, 2010
I hope by now you have gone to the hospital. My grandmother had black stools and spent two weeks in intensive care....she was bleeding to death and didn't realize and by the time she told anyone it was almost too late. Iron will give you dark stools, but I've only heard of internal bleeding causing black stools. Good luck with this.
   — Valerie_L

November 12, 2010
Don't ignore the black stools, but if you have been taking Pepto Bismol, that can cause black stools. But go to the doctor.
   — Kristy

November 28, 2010
bleeding ulcer? SEE A DR. ASAP!!
   — [Deactivated Member]