Question:
Pain on right side & black BMs?

Two days ago I fixed chicken and dumplings for supper. After we settled in to watch the news I started getting a pain on my right side, directly on my right side, between my hip and ribs, nothing frontal about it. If my hubby and son hadn't already gone to bed I would have had hubby take me to the hospital. The next morning it had eased somewhat and today it's eased a little more. I have not had any problems going to the bathroom, still very regular, no diarrhea, no constipation. When I had my BM this morning though it was very, very dark brown, I looked, but didn't see any blood. I have had a little gas and have had some gurgling going on inside (in bowel area), both are unusual for me. I am close to being one year out from WLS and feel like I have completely healed inside, so what could this be? Did I have an obstruction, or maybe a partial obstruction (maybe from my dumplings)? Does this sound like gall bladder problems? I called my surgeon to set up my one year check-up, but don't go in until 10/5. My PCP isn't open today, so the only option would be the ER & I don't want to do that unless it's really an emergency. Please let me know if you have experienced something similar or just tell me what you think! Hugs!    — DonnaCarol (posted on September 20, 2002)

September 20, 2002
You definitely need to get to the ER and get this checked out. Black stools usually indicate blood in the stool. It may be something insignificant, but it could be serious. Take care and good luck!
   — Sally C.