Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Black Stools Post Heart Bypass Surgery?
Question: I am a 91 yo female. For the past 4 days I have had a black stool. Regular, bland diet - no stomach discomfort. Have had some digestive discomfort at night after going to bed. Have been unable to sleep, and have leg cramps several times a night. This means getting out of bed and walking around until the pain is gone. Had heart bypasses several years ago. Do not have this problem in daytime. Have been taking 500mg calcium/Vitamin D 200 unit tab daily.
Brief Answer:
Cardiologist and gastroenterologist opinion needed
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX ! Good morning. I am Dr Shareef answering your query.
It is good that you are not having any such major symptom related to the gastro intestinal system.
There is no mention of your medications post heart bypass surgery. If you are on any blood thinning agent, or any anti platelet medications, I would advise you to stop it immediately (on consultation with your cardiologist).
This action is required because of your passage of black stool for past 4 days, and one of the reason for black stool might be stool with altered blood. If you are on anti thrombotic medications, one of the vessel in the stomach/duodenum might have started oozing blood, without being able to stop by its own defensive mechanism. Therefore, stoppage of any such medications is warranted. Also please stop taking any pain killers at present if you do.
If I were your doctor, I would prescribe a proton pump inhibitor drug for you along with a antacid gel, and refer you to a gastro enterologist along with a consultation with your cardiologist to stop the anti thrombotic drugs. The gastro enterologist might advise you for an endoscopic evaluation of your GI tract for further management.
I hope this information would help you in discussing with your family physician/treating doctor in further management of your problem. Please do not hesitate to ask in case of any further doubts.
Thanks for choosing health care magic to clear doubts on your health problems. Wishing you an early recovery. Dr Shareef.
Cardiologist and gastroenterologist opinion needed
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX ! Good morning. I am Dr Shareef answering your query.
It is good that you are not having any such major symptom related to the gastro intestinal system.
There is no mention of your medications post heart bypass surgery. If you are on any blood thinning agent, or any anti platelet medications, I would advise you to stop it immediately (on consultation with your cardiologist).
This action is required because of your passage of black stool for past 4 days, and one of the reason for black stool might be stool with altered blood. If you are on anti thrombotic medications, one of the vessel in the stomach/duodenum might have started oozing blood, without being able to stop by its own defensive mechanism. Therefore, stoppage of any such medications is warranted. Also please stop taking any pain killers at present if you do.
If I were your doctor, I would prescribe a proton pump inhibitor drug for you along with a antacid gel, and refer you to a gastro enterologist along with a consultation with your cardiologist to stop the anti thrombotic drugs. The gastro enterologist might advise you for an endoscopic evaluation of your GI tract for further management.
I hope this information would help you in discussing with your family physician/treating doctor in further management of your problem. Please do not hesitate to ask in case of any further doubts.
Thanks for choosing health care magic to clear doubts on your health problems. Wishing you an early recovery. Dr Shareef.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
