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How Can Gastric Issues While Bending Over And Black Diarrhea Be Managed?
Question: I am a 74 year old normal weight woman. THe last 3 or so months I have had gassy, black, diarrhea stools. ABout #6 on that Bristol chart. I had a colonoscopy 7 years ago following successful treatment of 8 months of C-diff. At that time polyps were removed. Previous to that, my late husband and I both left XXXXXXX 15+ years ago with a nasty intestinal illness that required weeks of antibiotics to remedy. I have taken common stomach remedies the last few weeks off and on. I understand one of them causes black stool. I have also noticed red wine can cause dark stool. My plan is to stop all stomach medications, stop my nightly glass(es) of wine, and make an appointment with a gastro doc in a week or two. ALthough there is clearly gas, apart from getting gastric burning when I bend over for awhile to garden, I dont have stomach issues. If that happens I drink a glass of water, and that takes carafe of it. Your thoughts?
Brief Answer:
Black color of the stool should be checked for occult blood.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Dear patient,
Have gone through your details and i appreciate your concerns.
PROBLEM 1-
Generally, blood coming from higher levels (stomach and small bowel) converts into a dark coal black colour due to the changes the blood has in the bowel.After the age of 50, it is recommended that all people should have a colonoscopy every 5 years. Even if you have had this test in 7 years it might be recommended to repeat it as you are having this bleeding if the stool tests confirm you are really bleeding.
So initially I would suggest you go for a test called stools for occult blood if the test is positive a colonoscopy should be done.
PROBLEM 2-
Your symptoms are suggestive of Gatro esophageal reflux disease.It is a chronic digestive disease. GERD occurs when stomach acid or, occasionally, stomach content, flows back into your food pipe. The backwash irritates the lining of your esophagus and causes, heartburn, chest pain and intense burning sensation in the throat.Both acid reflux and heartburn are a part of GERD.The presence of gastritis has proved additive to your symptoms.
PPIs are used to help calm symptoms of heartburn and other symptoms that result from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Start taking omeprazole 40 mg once daily.It's over the counter.
Hope I was helpful.
Regards.
Black color of the stool should be checked for occult blood.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Dear patient,
Have gone through your details and i appreciate your concerns.
PROBLEM 1-
Generally, blood coming from higher levels (stomach and small bowel) converts into a dark coal black colour due to the changes the blood has in the bowel.After the age of 50, it is recommended that all people should have a colonoscopy every 5 years. Even if you have had this test in 7 years it might be recommended to repeat it as you are having this bleeding if the stool tests confirm you are really bleeding.
So initially I would suggest you go for a test called stools for occult blood if the test is positive a colonoscopy should be done.
PROBLEM 2-
Your symptoms are suggestive of Gatro esophageal reflux disease.It is a chronic digestive disease. GERD occurs when stomach acid or, occasionally, stomach content, flows back into your food pipe. The backwash irritates the lining of your esophagus and causes, heartburn, chest pain and intense burning sensation in the throat.Both acid reflux and heartburn are a part of GERD.The presence of gastritis has proved additive to your symptoms.
PPIs are used to help calm symptoms of heartburn and other symptoms that result from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Start taking omeprazole 40 mg once daily.It's over the counter.
Hope I was helpful.
Regards.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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