[75F] Experiencing exhaustion and a single episode of black stool

Patient Description

A 75-year-old female reports a single episode of black, loose stool with a small amount of blood, with no recurrence today. She has been experiencing complete exhaustion for a few months, which worsens with activities like walking upstairs or bending over, and has not been relieved by supplements such as bee pollen and B12. She has a history of anemia treated with iron infusions, with current normal iron levels, and a past episode where her body stopped producing red blood cells for a year, which resolved on its own. She takes a thyroid medication once daily at the lowest dose and a muscle relaxant with two pills at bedtime. She has a known allergy to Penicillin. No new medications have been started or stopped recently, and no family history of gastrointestinal diseases has been reported.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information provided, there are several possible explanations for your symptoms:

Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Black, tarry stools (melena) can be a sign of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as the stomach or the first part of the small intestine. The blood turns black when it's been in the stomach for a period of time. This could be due to a peptic ulcer, gastritis, or a side effect of medications.
- Treatment typically involves medications to decrease stomach acid and possibly antibiotics if an infection is present. In some cases, endoscopy may be needed to identify the source of bleeding and stop it.
Iron Deficiency Anemia: Given your history of gastric bypass surgery and previous anemia, it's possible that your exhaustion could be a sign of iron deficiency anemia. This condition can occur if your body doesn't have enough iron to produce hemoglobin, the part of your red blood cells that carries oxygen.
- Treatment usually involves iron supplements and changes to your diet.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Gastric bypass surgery can also make it more difficult for your body to absorb vitamin B12, leading to deficiency. This can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and difficulty walking.
- Treatment typically involves vitamin B12 injections or high-dose oral supplements.

What you can do

Given the seriousness of potential gastrointestinal bleeding, it's important to seek immediate medical attention. Here are some steps you can take:

Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss your symptoms.
If you have any more episodes of black stools, go to the emergency room immediately.
Keep a record of your symptoms, including when they occur, their severity, and any potential triggers. This can help your healthcare provider diagnose your condition.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

More episodes of black, tarry stools
Severe abdominal pain
Chest pain
Difficulty breathing
Fainting or feeling lightheaded
Paleness or yellowing of the skin (jaundice)

Please remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

1

Hugs

0

Comments

Save

11 mo ago

Top picked over-the-counter products for Severe Constipation & Fecal Impaction: What to Do