So just finished my 2 weeks of Vanco, and the D really seemed to resolve after about a week. Am having some residual issues with food (generally NOT hungry, low-level nausea, stomach pain and cramping...what sounds like a usual path through this world of c. diff...). Anyway, today after 4 days of no BM (not surprising, as the "cleanout" of the active phase of the illness seemed...quite effective, and I've really not been able to eat more than broth-based soups and some yogurt), today I've had a couple of black, tar-like, sticky BMs. I've not taken Pepto Bismol or iron supplements, no aspirin or NSAIDS, and my diet has been less than colorful...could this be a small GI bleed, from the angry innards?
I see my primary doc on Friday for a 2-week followup from the hospitalization. The only ongoing meds I'm taking are the Culturelle 2 x daily and Zofran as needed. Can either of these cause black, sticky stools? Has anyone else had a similar experience? If so, was it a problem or just a transition, and how did yours resolve?
Black and tarry stools after c. diff?
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Re: Black and tarry stools after c. diff?
Hi. I have not experienced this but if I were you I would be call Dr. And explain to him what it looks like and how you had no bm's for a few days. I dont think black and tarry are good.
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Re: Black and tarry stools after c. diff?
Talk to a doctor ASAP. Black stool is one of the big red flags we all have to watch out for, and while it could be something harmless there is also a strong possibility it is not.
I can think of 3 things that would cause this:
A) pepto bismol. Almost always turns stool black.
B) less common reason, but a diet high in fat and animal protein can do this a bit too... Especially the sticky part. For a while I lived on McDonald's and M&Ms and my BMs looked a little like that.
C) if you aren't taking pepto, and not eating a high fat diet... Then there is a strong chance it could be blood in your upper GI tract. Not a good thing if it isn't looked at. So remedy that and get looked at ASAP.
I can think of 3 things that would cause this:
A) pepto bismol. Almost always turns stool black.
B) less common reason, but a diet high in fat and animal protein can do this a bit too... Especially the sticky part. For a while I lived on McDonald's and M&Ms and my BMs looked a little like that.
C) if you aren't taking pepto, and not eating a high fat diet... Then there is a strong chance it could be blood in your upper GI tract. Not a good thing if it isn't looked at. So remedy that and get looked at ASAP.
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Re: Black and tarry stools after c. diff?
It could be something you ate. I have dark stools alot and I eat blueberries every morning. When I go a few days and don't eat them the BM goes much lighter so don't panic. If you don't think its food related then it must be reported to the Dr. I think I would call and run it by them anyway, just to ease my mind. Hope you are feeling ok otherwise and have kicked the CDiff. Keep us posted. Carol
CAROL
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Re: Black and tarry stools after c. diff?
Just to be on the safe side, I would solicit feedback from your doctor. Take care!
Kathy
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Re: Black and tarry stools after c. diff?
Culturelle does not cause this. I don't know anything about Zofran. Definitely call the doctor.
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Re: Black and tarry stools after c. diff?
Black tarry stools are usually a red flag....you need to discuss it with you Doctor. If it gets worse be sure to let him know immediately. Take a list of everything that you've eaten or swallowed just before the stools started .
Fire
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Re: Black and tarry stools after c. diff?
Thanks for the comments, gang. I wasn't able to move my scheduled appointment up any earlier, but did see the doc today. The black stools resolved after a day, and then things shifted back to a bit scarily loose, but color lightened up. Doc said there may have been a bit of bleeding that resolved itself, but the re-emerging almost-D was concerning, so I'm back on the Vanco... I'm to let her know if I see the black again, touch base early next week to see if the Vanco is settling things back down, and have the number of a GI doc in case things go to heck in the meantime.
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Re: Black and tarry stools after c. diff?
Your in the hands of a good doctor. In your case, treating on symptoms alone is appropriate. Keep us updated!
Kathy
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Re: Black and tarry stools after c. diff?
frogerina, I see in your case history that you mention having no appetite and losing a lot of weight. What finally helped me to get my appetite back, after I had lost 27 pounds to cdiff, was Primadophilus reuteri. Of all the probiotics that I took, this is the only one that I can say for sure made a difference. Once I could eat without forcing myself for every bite, I finally stopped losing weight. Also, I ate 6 times a day, small meals, and in between regular meals, I drank Ensure and ate yogurt and kefir (I wasn't lactose intolerant). Good luck.
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Re: Black and tarry stools after c. diff?
I took a pepto bison caplet for cramping and have black stools now- won’t do that again. I emailed my doctor but she’s home for the night.
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Re: Black and tarry stools after c. diff?
That's normal with Pepto Bismol. It's harmless. It even says it happens on the package.
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Re: Black and tarry stools after c. diff?
MOD NOTE
The poster wrote several years ago but answers still apply.
The poster wrote several years ago but answers still apply.
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