Black Stool

Good Afternoon,

 

I had a black stool this week which corncered me a little bit, I am trying not to think of the worse while awaiting stool sample results Fit test and the one handed into my GP surgery. Lucky I've not noticed a black stool since apart from minor bloody streaks in my stool. I have sensitive stomach issues (Mild IBS). The doctor is being really efficient and I've  had 6 vials of blood taken to check for celiac, blood sugar, anemia...the works. I cannot fault it. 

 

I think my mind is going into overdrive, I've noticed blood in my stool for a while but I've put it down to constipation / anal tearing. I am also on heart medication which causes me to be constipated. 

I am only 30  but I know young people can Colon Cancer, which you never really think about until you notice something unusual.

Can a Black Stool be a once off accurence? caused by something I've eaten (I am not on any iron tablets or eaten anything that would cause my blood to turn black. I remember having a metalic taste in my mouth that day but it was probably due to the dried up minor nose bleed. 

I am just hear for reassurance really. 

 

Thank you you for listening.

 

Jemma 

  • Hi Jemma,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. It's good to hear you're getting this checked out and that the GP is efficient - it sounds like they're being very thorough.

    Hopefully it won't be long to wait to find out some answers from the tests.

    Meanwhile if anyone here has any similar experience to share then hopefully they'll be along soon.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Thank you Ben, 

    My Fit test came back negative for blood in the stool so I am abit confused, my bloods came back normal but my Calprotectin levels are slightly elevated in my stool so I guess there is some mild inflammation and nothing to worry about. Apologies for overreacting, maybe the black stool was a one off?

     

    All the best, 

     

    Jemma 

  • I know how you are feeling right now, however my fit test has come back positive with very high level of bleeding into the bowel that I never even noticed so it can definitely happen both ways. (I only spoke to the doctor because of constipation and extreme lethargy, blood test came back high CRP) they did the fit to rule out but I got a shock! 

    I am so relieved for you that your test came back clear though but do stay vigilent. My referral has come through very quickly which has done nothing to allay my fears- test result this week, scope booked next week!

    Fingers crossed your issues settle back down. Xxx

  • Thank you for your kind words and I am sorry that your experiencing your symptoms it most be really worrying, all I can say is that we are here on this forum to support you. 

    Good luck with your scope examination soon. 

    I've recently found out that my calprotectin level is 173 which is borderline and I've had a few bowel issues over the weekend, this morning I had one bout of faecal incontinence which was abit embrassing, however I am so glad I wasn't out anywhere.

     

    The doctor says I could have an infection or IBD depending on how the results of the next two stool samples. 

     

    All the best, 

     

    Jemma x

  • I wouldn't know what a normal reading was so can't offer anything supportive there, but I am glad there isn't anything sinister going on and I do really hope you get some answers and- a plan, soon. Xx

  • Good Morning, 

     

    Thank you so much :). I had bouts of Diarrhea yesterday and I had a bowel movement 4 times which is not my usual pattern as I usually struggle with constipation. I have been keeping a stool diary for my doctor and myself.

    This morning I had a werid looking stool it looked like it was partially formed and partially black. It was easy to pass and part of the stool was floating. So I just want some clarity now.  The second occurrence of the black stuff in a few days.. 

    How are you doing?

     

    Kindest regards, 

     

    Jemma xx 

  • I am surprisingly positive. My current promise to remain up beat is working so far, had a wobble or two due to unrelated bad news but on the whole OK. Not much longer to wait now fingers crossed so there is that. 

    Honestly if not for the positive fit result and some other symptoms I would not even have been concerned at all so need to keep that in mind. 

    I think the diary is a great idea, are you keeping a food and drink one alongside it? If not worth making a few notes there's in case there is any correlation?  I do hope you aren't left in the dark waiting too long. Xx

  • I am glad you are remaining positive, I am trying to get on with my day too as I have a tendency to try and find answers obsessively. I am putting down what I am eating too but since that blackish stool this morning I am now showing what looks to be menstruation blood xx I am having some irrigular bleeding as my implant is due to end in May but getting checked over tomorrow by the nurse.

    I feel like my body is just upside down haha

    Jem 

  • Hi, hope you're feeling better today?

    Had my scope done. Results were good. Some inflammation but nothing sinister. Some grade 2 haemorrhoids.. Doctor advised talkingt o the gp again given my symptoms and family history to rule out other issues but so relieved!!

    Fingers crossed you get your answers soon. Xxx

  • Hi, 

    I am glad your scope came back clear and there appears to be nothing too sinister xx I hope your feeling better knowing this and are coping with your Anxiety. :) 

     

    Alittle update from me.. 

     

    So I had my second Calprotectin test results back today and it was 3305!  This shocked me as the last one was only 173.  They have reffered me to the Gastroenterology department for an colonoscopy to see what's going on. Any advice as I am worried the procedure is going to be painful.

    I am keeping a food diary still and keeping an eye on my bowel movements, its werid as I have no pain and I feel quite happy. I have just been having loose stools, it will be nearly coming up to a month with random episodes of Diarrhea. I think it's more like a food intolerance but we shall see! 

    They suspect IBD but who knows at this point?

    All the best, 

     

    Jemma