Hi yall. Sorry I haven't been on much lately. I had 3rd surgery June 2016. I was doing quite well and then I was moved to night shift in a department where restroom is about 3 minutes walk away, after notifying supervisor I HAVE to go now! I didn't have those issues on days- restroom 30 feet away just how when necessary. Anyway, I was taking metamucil/konsyl twice a day for thickening but ran out Sunday morning. Can't buy more until tomorrow (payday). I take immodium 3x a day. My issue is starting yesterday evening about 9 pm, I passed gas but realized it was more so I walked quickly to restroom. I notice feces are very dark black/ Grey maybe a little dark green. Ok I also felt butt burn for first time in 3 months. I had to go 3 more times, urgently before I got off at 5 am. I drink a very high amount of water. I figured maybe it was just diet and I would be fine at some point today. No. Still terrible butt burn, not sure feels like chafed from toilet paper, small turfs but having to use a lot of tp and have tried tucks but burns so bad I cry. I know black feces is bad in normal people so feeling apprehensive about it. And for this long, still having my "normal" number of BMs at 13-16 a day. Should I call Dr? Or just stay home and rest and hope the diet and adding konsyl back fixes it. Any ideas are appreciated.
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I have also been having black stools with little form lately, but the same number of BMs. My doctor hasn't been overly concerned, but it can definitely mean something is going on. I have learned that I have some inflammation in my rectum so I'm trying to treat that with rectal meds right now.
If it doesn't resolve in the next few days I would definitely contact your doctor. I hope you can find a solution! The Metamucil is nice for me too and I use different creams/Vaseline and sit baths for when that dreaded burn comes back.
Black stool is always worrisome because it can represent old blood from high up in the GI tract (esophagus, stomach, or duodenum). But other things can cause black stool, for example oral iron supplements, Pepto Bismol, or dark-colored food. I hope it turns out to be insignificant.
External butt burn can be managed by protecting the skin around the anus with zinc oxide ointment *before* stool reinjures the skin. This is easiest if you apply it after every BM. People prefer a variety of protectants, but zinc oxide is the least expensive and works just fine.
Scott, thanks for that insight! I just started taking iron supplements after finding out that my levels were low, that could be what it is for me.
I had black stool after I woke up from the 2nd surgery. Eventually my stool stopped being black though. I have never taken iron supplements, but my surgeon said it's nothing to worry about. As long its just because of iron supplements, then I think you'll be okay. If it worries you though, call your dr.