i'm really scared, please help

[davide.h 17]

Today I noticed my stool was darker than it normally is. I called my doctor's office and was only able to speak to the front desk. I will not get a call back from the doctor until tomorrow. I'm really scared. I know this is a common source of fear so if anyone's been through it please help. I want to be able to sleep tonight until I care speak with my doctor. I should add this has happened before and normally goes away after a day or two but I've had a number of other health scares lately and am pretty overwhelmed! 

[MARC 287]

My stools are different shades of brown and my GI physician said not to be concerned as this is normal. 

[davide.h 17]

I mentioned it to my dad. He asked if I took pepto bismol. I said I'd just started within the last few days. He said that was the culprit. I can at least sleep easily now. what a relief. 

[Mike L 84]

Stool color is rarely a cause for concern unless its black or red. ANY shade of brown is normal. What have you eaten the last 3 days? Have you taken any supplements or Pepto Bismol? I have had this fear for years! My doctor has always told me I was ok. Try not to get too worried. I know that isn't easy, but you got this and we're here for you!!!!!!

[davide.h 17]

12 hours ago, Mike L said:

Stool color is rarely a cause for concern unless its black or red. ANY shade of brown is normal. What have you eaten the last 3 days? Have you taken any supplements or Pepto Bismol? I have had this fear for years! My doctor has always told me I was ok. Try not to get too worried. I know that isn't easy, but you got this and we're here for you!!!!!!

Yes I bought pepto to deal with heartburn but stopped right away. 

[Mike L 84]

You're stool color should return to normal after a few days. I think you're just fine!

[William 1]

You're fine, I had this concern years ago as well.  

[newday 47]

Pepto Bismol freaked me right out one time.  I had no idea.  When I read what it did, I threw it out!  I don't need that in my life 🙂

[davide.h 17]

I didn't either. The discoloration seems to be a harmless side effect though. 

[ZenCube 43]

On 9/26/2020 at 11:34 AM, Mike L said:

Stool color is rarely a cause for concern unless its black or red. ANY shade of brown is normal. What have you eaten the last 3 days? Have you taken any supplements or Pepto Bismol? I have had this fear for years! My doctor has always told me I was ok. Try not to get too worried. I know that isn't easy, but you got this and we're here for you!!!!!!

Unless is tarry black, bloody or withish / ashy (pancreatic issue). 

[Deweyishere 2]

Hello! 

I think you are just anxious about it and there is most likely nothing to be worried about. our stool changes color and depends on our diet. Usually it happens that when I eat a lot of spicy food or junk food, my stool is also darker in color. So, you might have eaten something which made your stool dark. I feel it is alright and you should take it easy. Consulting the doctor will solve the issues as well. 🙂 

I just want to suggest you that taking this much anxiety is not a solution to anything. You should be strong enough to tackle anything that comes your way. Whenever you have anxiety or feel you are quite worried and can't stay peaceful, read this and try to practice these simple yet practical tips and you will feel better  https://ezcareclinic.com/3-ways-to-deal-with-work-anxiety-according-to-top-18-experts/ 

Take care! 

[davide.h 17]

It's crazy how this seems to be such a common cause of panic. I've had a mild upset stomach for a day or two and it's  given it a yellow-ish tint. Not sure what, if anything, it means. I'm not as nervous as before but still am a little bit. 🤒

[BedDweller 0]

2 hours ago, davide.h said:

It's crazy how this seems to be such a common cause of panic. I've had a mild upset stomach for a day or two and it's  given it a yellow-ish tint. Not sure what, if anything, it means. I'm not as nervous as before but still am a little bit. 🤒

I can't offer you an answer, but I'm also worried about the color of my stool at the moment if that helps. Re-reading the posts on this subject on this forum does reassure me that it's nothing to worry about. However, what has been bothering me the most is that I think it has been off for weeks. I'm hoping it's simply my anxiety that's causing this, and not something more sinister.