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What Causes Black Stool?

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Posted on Fri, 3 Feb 2017
Question: black stool for the first time.

Health history: Prostatectomy 15 - 20 years ago for prostate cancer & gall bladder removal about 5 years ago.
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Answered by Dr. Endri Katro (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking HCM.

I have read your symptom,and i understand your concerns.

Having black stools, means a bleeding in the upper portion of your digestive system.
The main reasons are as follows:

-gastro-duodenal ulcera
-tumor of the stomach
-gastritis
-esophageal varices
-Mallory-Weiss tear ect
Since you are taking nexium,i assume that you have GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) or other problems with your stomach.

If i was your caring doctor i would recommend to do an esophagogastroduodenoscopy to find the problem of your bleeding and treat it and a blood test to see the red blood count, if you have anemia or not (low red blood cells count)
If you have one of these symptoms you need to check to the ER as soon as possible.
-vomiting blood
-soft black stool (3-4 times in a small amount of time,lets say 1 or 2 hours)
-vertigo
-low blood pressure
-dizziness or lightheadedness
-Cold, clammy, pale skin

If you have any other question,feel free to contact me.

Dr.Endri Katro
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Endri Katro

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 342 Questions

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What Causes Black Stool?

Brief Answer: Follow up Detailed Answer: Hello and thank you for asking HCM. I have read your symptom,and i understand your concerns. Having black stools, means a bleeding in the upper portion of your digestive system. The main reasons are as follows: -gastro-duodenal ulcera -tumor of the stomach -gastritis -esophageal varices -Mallory-Weiss tear ect Since you are taking nexium,i assume that you have GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) or other problems with your stomach. If i was your caring doctor i would recommend to do an esophagogastroduodenoscopy to find the problem of your bleeding and treat it and a blood test to see the red blood count, if you have anemia or not (low red blood cells count) If you have one of these symptoms you need to check to the ER as soon as possible. -vomiting blood -soft black stool (3-4 times in a small amount of time,lets say 1 or 2 hours) -vertigo -low blood pressure -dizziness or lightheadedness -Cold, clammy, pale skin If you have any other question,feel free to contact me. Dr.Endri Katro