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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Stomach Cramps

I took pepto bismo on Tuesday and a little on Wednesday due to stomach cramps. For the most part the cramping is gone. Once in a while I feel minor cramps. I also ate blueberries and beet. I have a an upper respitory cough which is bring up yellowish phlegm. Last night, Saturday, I noticed dark stools which have continued today. I am a 69 years old female who has enjoyed excellent health. My last colonoscopy was in November 2010. Was getting one every 3 years for a decade but my doctor said to come every 5 years as I have had no polyps or problems. I do have a family history of colon and rectal cancer. Should I be concerned about the dark stools or wait to see if they stop since the foods I was eating and the pepto bismos can cause them. I have eaten blueberries in the past with no problems.
Tue, 16 Jan 2018
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Noted the history and understood the concerns.
Blueberries and beet can cause stomach/intestinal upset.
Hence I would advise you the following in such a situation:
Get the stool tested to get an idea whether the problem is due to intestinal infection or bleeding or something else.
If there is an intestinal infection you would need a course of an antibiotic active against intestinal infection, metronidazole and added pre and probiotics to get well.
Stop consuming blueberries and beet and repeat the stool test after three days as this helps solve further the diagnosis.
Take plenty of liquids.
Since colonoscopy are normal over the past period I do not think of worrying about.
But if the occult blood is positive then you need to get an Upper GI endoscopy and colonoscopy; CT scan of abdomen and tests of blood as per the clinical presentation as noted by your Doctor or a Gastroenterologist.
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Suggest Treatment For Stomach Cramps

Hi. Thanks for your query. Noted the history and understood the concerns. Blueberries and beet can cause stomach/intestinal upset. Hence I would advise you the following in such a situation: Get the stool tested to get an idea whether the problem is due to intestinal infection or bleeding or something else. If there is an intestinal infection you would need a course of an antibiotic active against intestinal infection, metronidazole and added pre and probiotics to get well. Stop consuming blueberries and beet and repeat the stool test after three days as this helps solve further the diagnosis. Take plenty of liquids. Since colonoscopy are normal over the past period I do not think of worrying about. But if the occult blood is positive then you need to get an Upper GI endoscopy and colonoscopy; CT scan of abdomen and tests of blood as per the clinical presentation as noted by your Doctor or a Gastroenterologist.