Nurses Help!

[GriffsMommy]

Okay, well I posted the other day that hubby was having really bad stomach pain. It hasn't been as bad but he's still been having it. He just went to the bathroom and had black stool. He looked it up online and that could be about a 1000 different things. We called the dr's office right before they closed and the nurse said that is dr isn't in but that he would tell him to go to the ER because of the black stool and the past history of a stomach ulcer. Is this over reacting?? Do we need to go to the ER?? Ugh!! I want him to go if it's serious, we're just not sure what to do! Help!!:help:

[tigger_gal]

usually black stool is blood from what I understand. You know it may not be a bad idea to take him. be safe not sorry.
let me know what they say when you get home.

[leelee88]

Tig is right, not to scare you but dark black stool is a sign of blood.. He really needs to see a doctor esp if hes haiving pain..


Christine, I found this on the Drs Web link..

Black, tarry stools with a foul odor can be the result of eating certain foods, taking iron supplements, or possibly from internal bleeding. If the black color is from blood, it is known as "melena." The color indicates that the blood has been in the body for some time, and is coming from higher up in the gastrointestinal tract.

Ronda

[GriffsMommy]

Thanks girls, I read that too Ronda. It also says that Pepto can do it and he did take some the other night when his stomach was hurting and this was the first time he had a bowel movement since then so maybe that's what it is. I don't think he wants to go and I'm so tired I can barely keep my eyes open. He says he's feeling okay so I'll get through to one of the gastro offices tomorrow and get him the soonest appointment that I can I guess.

[charmedx3]

Go to ER. If it is nothing ( very possible) you will know, if it is something he will be in the right place to get care! please keep us updated! I will be thinking of you 2!

[ICNDonna]

A black stool can mean blood. Please do insist that he go to ER. It's far better to go and find you made an unnecessary trip than it would be if he's got something like intestinal bleeding. Your doctor's office already said go to ER; hopefully by this time, you are there.

Please don't take chances with someone you love.

Donna

[Briza]

Hi Christine
I don't want to negate any of what the others have told you in case it is something that needs immediate attention, but pepto makes my stools black, my tongue, too. That said, when I was in the hospital with paralyzed bowels, when I finally did have a bm (after 9 days) it was black and so bad I left my room for hours for some fresh air, if you get my drift. Sorry if TMI. Keep us posted on what happens. Hope all turns out ok.

[BrittanysDance]

Your husband should REALLY go to the ER, he could have an ulcer that is festering and infected and then what happens? Staph...and that is and can be deadly. Its very important to go, even if he doesnt want to, YOU should make him go, better to ease your mind. Men are stubborn and say they "are okay and feel better" because they dont want to KNOW something is wrong with them because they are scared and dont want to face the truth of the matter. They'd rather suffer than admit something is terribly wrong. PLEASE GO IMMEDIATELY TO THE ER - it just may save his life.

On the same note - (and you should STILL GO regardless of this bit of information) once he is seen by the ER Staff, and you return home, you can for future reference, purchase home test kits at any pharmacy that can test your stool (and urine) for blood. Simple and discrete - all in the privacy of your home. The trick here is that if it DOES detect blood - you STILL need to get your behind to the ER immediately. Black tarry stools with severe abdominal cramping and pain and a history of ulcers = bad news.

Please please go..do not wait.

Gentle hugs,
Brittany

[tigger_gal]

hey there how is hubby?

[GriffsMommy]

He's okay, he said his stomach was feeling better. He said he didn't want to go to the ER last night and I can't get him to do anything if he doesn't want to do it. I'm going to call every gastro in the area though today and someone is going to see him in the near future. Thanks for asking :)

[tigger_gal]

I do hope you can get him in asap, in the mean time tell him to go to your gp, they can run some tests to check that ulcer. I know you are so stressed over this, and in 100% agreement that there are men out there that just won't budge if they don't want to do something. :grouphug:

[ICNDonna]

I agree that he should see your primary care doc ASAP.

Donna

[jen74]

Has he had any more BM's and how were they, were they still black? I would say he should see a doctor, especailly if his BMs are still black.
Jen

[GriffsMommy]

Jen,
I don't know, he didn't mention having one this morning and now he's taking a nap with Griffin. I just him an appointment for next friday at a GI office w/ a nurse practioner I believe.

[mary124]

Men are so stubborn!! I finally got my to go to the doctor for a physical when he turned 50 which was 2 years ago! He said he was fine and not sick! well, when he got out of there, needless to say he had everything wrong with him-- that ran in this family! Now he is on a bunch of meds!.
I do hope he is doing better, rectal bleeding is nothing to take lightly, black blood is "old blood" but still I would get it checked out. Hope things are better with him.