Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Hi, For Almost 2 Years (it Started When I Was
Question: Hi,
For almost 2 years (it started when I was pregnant), I have been getting black specks in my stool, mostly seen on the toilet paper.
It happens about half of the time I pass stools and there's usually just a few specks I can see at a time.
I had an anal fissure after giving birth so I wasn't sure if it was old blood from that but I've noticed some black specks within my stool if I really look closely.
I went to the doctor a year ago about this and he ran blood tests and all came back normal. This combined with not having any other symptoms, he said it didn't sound like anything and was most likely diet.
However it's just been on my mind lately as to whether this is normal and whether it is likely to be food related? I'm not sure if I've just become obsessive with every last speck in my stool!
Many thanks,
Rachel
For almost 2 years (it started when I was pregnant), I have been getting black specks in my stool, mostly seen on the toilet paper.
It happens about half of the time I pass stools and there's usually just a few specks I can see at a time.
I had an anal fissure after giving birth so I wasn't sure if it was old blood from that but I've noticed some black specks within my stool if I really look closely.
I went to the doctor a year ago about this and he ran blood tests and all came back normal. This combined with not having any other symptoms, he said it didn't sound like anything and was most likely diet.
However it's just been on my mind lately as to whether this is normal and whether it is likely to be food related? I'm not sure if I've just become obsessive with every last speck in my stool!
Many thanks,
Rachel
Brief Answer:
Two basic tests would clear all your doubts.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for choosing "Ask a Doctor" service for your query,
Have seen your details my dear and I appreciate your concerns,
As per your query answers are,
Firstly we have to be sure that what they are. Blood tests have no role as specks are seen in stools so I Don't know why your doctor suggested blood test rather then stool tests.
I would suggest you initially two basic tests-
1)Stool for occult blood- Some times bleeding from upper intestine presents as black tarry specks in stools. Black color is due to change of hemoglobin pigment into black chemical due to the action of digestive enzymes.
2)Stool culture and microscopy- your stool sample would be inspected under high power microscope to look for larvae of worms etc.
Lastly try to avoid fig,blue berries etc from your food. They may form specks.
Discuss the answer with your doctor and follow up with reports.They are basic stool tests and can be done at any laboratory.
Hope I was helpful,
Follow up with reports,
Thank you!
Two basic tests would clear all your doubts.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for choosing "Ask a Doctor" service for your query,
Have seen your details my dear and I appreciate your concerns,
As per your query answers are,
Firstly we have to be sure that what they are. Blood tests have no role as specks are seen in stools so I Don't know why your doctor suggested blood test rather then stool tests.
I would suggest you initially two basic tests-
1)Stool for occult blood- Some times bleeding from upper intestine presents as black tarry specks in stools. Black color is due to change of hemoglobin pigment into black chemical due to the action of digestive enzymes.
2)Stool culture and microscopy- your stool sample would be inspected under high power microscope to look for larvae of worms etc.
Lastly try to avoid fig,blue berries etc from your food. They may form specks.
Discuss the answer with your doctor and follow up with reports.They are basic stool tests and can be done at any laboratory.
Hope I was helpful,
Follow up with reports,
Thank you!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Thank you very much for your response, I'll definitely request a stool test.
This is a silly question, but what would a tarry speck feel like? If I pick one out, it's like a hard particle.
Many thanks, Rachel
This is a silly question, but what would a tarry speck feel like? If I pick one out, it's like a hard particle.
Many thanks, Rachel
Brief Answer:
Follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for follow up,
I am sorry but this answer if possible could be answered only by a mirobiologist(who works in lab and may have out of curiosity touched the sample of patient with gloves on),However frankly speaking i have not touched the sample ever.So can't comment if its hard or soft or what type of consistency does it have.
Thank you,
Hope you can understand that a physician works only on reports.
Thanks and follow up with reports.
Follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for follow up,
I am sorry but this answer if possible could be answered only by a mirobiologist(who works in lab and may have out of curiosity touched the sample of patient with gloves on),However frankly speaking i have not touched the sample ever.So can't comment if its hard or soft or what type of consistency does it have.
Thank you,
Hope you can understand that a physician works only on reports.
Thanks and follow up with reports.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
