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What Causes Black Bowel Movement?

Posted on Fri, 17 Jul 2015

Question: My friend had hip surgery one week ago. He did not have a bowel movement the day of his surgery nor for three days later. he started having stomach pains and took prune juice.. A lot of prune juice. His bowels stated to move, but the pains continued over the next three days. We went to emerge last night and the dr there said he probably still had a lot of feces left in his bowels and to drink more prune juice and lots of water. He has had more prune juice, but not as much water as she suggested, Now his bowel movement is black and tarry and he's afraid it's blood in the stool. I think it's from the prune juice and should wait another day to see. What is your opinion?

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (19 minutes later)

Brief answer....black stool could be due to bleeding
Detailed answer...
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
I have read your query and understand your concern.
Although many foods including prune juice can turn your stool black,it is always prudent to get the stools checked for the presence of blood in it.
You must report to the ER immediately as there is no point waiting for a day more.
I hope it helps,however you may revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar