This is a very sensitive subject because it's such a private issue. Because my grandfather had colon cancer, and I have had gastrointestinal issues all my life, I'm easily freaked out by changes or blood in my bowel. So, you can only imagine my reaction to my newest event: black stools.
Of course, I was thinking the worst and dreading having to make yet another call to my doctor about my latest issue. She is bound to put me through a gazillion tests and find nothing wrong. I'm not a hypochondriac, I just worry about things, and it's bad enough that I suffer from chronic colitis, even ulcers.
Stool Color and Texture Changes are often harmless. But, it certainly helps to know what could cause these changes. Over the past several months, I've had a whole gamut of changes. What I concluded was that my dietary changes are at the root.
But, I suppose I should still make that call to my doctor, just to see if I can rule out all the blackberries and blueberries in my diet, or the medication I've been taking sporadically (bad patient) for another condition.
Just in case you're wondering, here's a list of possible causes for black stools.
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Yes it is private and sometimes embarassing but important. In Chinese Medicine we always ask questions about the digestive system (including the stool) as it is indicative of a persons overall health.
Thanks
July 13, 2008 - 7:47pmThis Comment
You're right. While it's a very private issue, it's also an important one and it's great that you are so tuned into your body. Thanks for shedding some light on a sensitive topic.
June 27, 2008 - 8:14amThis Comment