Im_InYour_Balls OP t1_j26kfk1 wrote on December 30, 2022 at 12:44 AM

Reply to comment by Global_Monk_5778 in TIFU, might have colon cancer by Im_InYour_Balls

Thank you so much. My fingers are also crossed. I’m hoping next year will be better

Knickers_in_a_twist_ t1_j26ycet wrote on December 30, 2022 at 2:25 AM

I can’t believe in mentioning this on reddit for the third time in just as many days, but if you ever notice black poop after taking some pepto bismol (you mention of bowl movement issues brought this to mind) don’t have a huge freak out. The bismuth in pepto can turn some of your poop black.

Im_InYour_Balls OP t1_j27kyib wrote on December 30, 2022 at 5:26 AM

I haven’t black stool or pepto bismol ever. Just black specks in stool and on toilet paper.

Isn’t pepto bismol supposed to be good for the stomach??

Lumpy-Ad-3201 t1_j291rys wrote on December 30, 2022 at 3:07 PM

Pepto is composed of pink bismuth, and even though it works, doctors aren't completely sure exactly why. They have some strong theories that make sense medically, but the exact mechanism isn't known. When you digest it, your body breaks it down to bismuth and other things. Since bismuth is essentially inert in the digestive system, it gets moved out as what it is: ultra-fine particles of a dull grey metal.

It makes poops turn grey or black, in some cases. Totally normal.

Impressive_Teach9188 t1_j27i676 wrote on December 30, 2022 at 5:00 AM

It's more than likely hemorrhoids, I had the same problem around that age and went through 2 Colonoscopies for them to find nothing serious. The doctors just recommended a diet change and start using stool softener