Question:
Am I bleeding or is this the vitamin?

   — Tammy T. (posted on January 20, 2003)


January 19, 2003
I had an episode of G I Bleeding after another surgery last year. My stool was a blackish, reddish color. I have also taken iron pills in the past and the color of your stool from those is greenish black. I would call the doc if I were you. When I finally called the doc about mine, I was hours away from dying from heart failure, so the doc said, but I felt fine. The first day it happened, I was vwery sob, weak, and dizzy. The day i went to the doc I felt fine. This is nothing to ask us about. I am a nurse but i am advising you to call your doc ASAP.
   — Delores S.

January 19, 2003
I agree with the previous poster. SEE YOUR DOC ASAP!
   — Danmark

January 20, 2003
Just wanted to update everyone-- I did not take that vitamin this mornign and have had NORMAL BM's -- no black at all... I took one of the pills and put it in water and it turned black as it desolved.. so I'm guessing that it what really caused all of this... I will continue to watch this -- I will say that I think things were more of a greenish black and not a black black too... but if it happens again - I will certainly run to the doctors!
   — Tammy T.

January 20, 2003
Since you're already on the way to the doc to be checked for gastric bleed, we can talk about the vites when you get home. If they contain a large dose of iron, then yes, you could be sloughing the iron. That's often the result in using a vite that contains iron. When mixed with other elements, the iron just LEAVES. It's worth investigating.
   — vitalady

January 20, 2003
I have a appointment in the morning to see the doctor -- he just wants to double check things and make sure everything is cool... I haven't taken these vitamins again today at all and haven't had any issues... I will say I'm a bit scared now after reading all of this stuff.. WHAT HAPPENS to you if you DO have a gastric bleed...????
   — Tammy T.

January 20, 2003
Treatment of a GI bleed depends on several things. Usually they scope you right off. They can cauterize (burn) the place. This helps seal it. They can sew it up. There are also drugs (IV) used to treat GI bleeds. One of the most distinct things about a GI bleed is the smell. Once you smell it, you never forget it. I hope every thing goes well for you at the appointment. It sounds like it truly is the vitamins, or I think you would have mentioned the smell.
   — denaa

January 21, 2003
Well gang - I went to the doc and he did a little test to see if there was blood or not.. since I'm not having the diarrhea today or yesterday - he isn't that worried... but is just double checking to make sure there isn't blood!! I won't know anything for a day or two.. however I haven't taken those vitamins since Sunday and haven't had any other issues... so I really believe I've had a reaction to the vitamins!! Thanks for your input... Anyone else have issues with vitamins like this.. or even Liquid Tylenol?????
   — Tammy T.

January 21, 2003
It is the vitamins. I had the same problem with the same vitamins and was given the run around. The doctor confirmed there was not blood in my stool...it was the iron in the vitamins. But, it is scary and I wouldn't want to assume in a case like this...I am glad that you went to the doctor. Good luck. Maureen
   — Maureen R.




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