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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Feeling Fatigued And Having Dark Stools. Is It Due To Less Iron?

I am 60 yrs old . I have always had energy but lately about 3 mos. I have be fatigued and now my stools are very dark, which I think is blood. I have had many heart tests but nothing. My sister found that she has had a leaky heart valve. Am I overreacting to the situation and just need more iron.
posted on Fri, 21 Feb 2014
Twitter Sun, 23 Feb 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 24 Feb 2014 Last reviewed on
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

You are not overreacting. Actually blood in the stool is a very serious symptom and can not be ignored.
If the stool is dark like a tar, bleeding source is usually stomach. If the stool is mixed with the blood (can be dark but not black) bleeding source is lower (large intestine most likely). Weakness is due to low hemoglobin level. You may also notice pale skin, abdominal pain, constipation.

I suggest you to do not wait any longer. Blood work and colonoscopy is strongly advisable. If the stool is like a tar, gastroscopy should be first.

Hope this will help.
Regards.
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Feeling Fatigued And Having Dark Stools. Is It Due To Less Iron?

Hello! Thank you for the query. You are not overreacting. Actually blood in the stool is a very serious symptom and can not be ignored. If the stool is dark like a tar, bleeding source is usually stomach. If the stool is mixed with the blood (can be dark but not black) bleeding source is lower (large intestine most likely). Weakness is due to low hemoglobin level. You may also notice pale skin, abdominal pain, constipation. I suggest you to do not wait any longer. Blood work and colonoscopy is strongly advisable. If the stool is like a tar, gastroscopy should be first. Hope this will help. Regards.