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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Dementia, Bedridden, Tar Like Stools, Unable To Swallow Food. Any Treatment?

My grandmother has severe dementia, is bedridden, and hasnt been able to stand or sit on her own for more than a year. shes been on hospice for the last year. shes recently started passing tar like stools. what could this mean? we've already ruled out iron supplements. She doesnt eat solid foods because she cant swallow properly. could this be her organs shutting down? her hospice liaison said she wasnt eligible for any agressive treatments
Tue, 7 May 2013
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello
Welcome to HCM

She is passing tar like stools and she is not on iron supplements. The tar like or black stools may be seen when there is some bleeding focus in GIT tract. I would advise you to please take her to a hospital and get her evaluated for any bleeding cause from intestines. Polyps or ulceration may be the cause behind the tar like stools. She is also suffering from dementia and is bed ridden so I would advise you to take her to a Psychiatrist for expert opinion. Medicines like Memantin, Donepezil are very useful in dementia. Apart from medicines provide her proper supportive care.

Thanks
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi, MD
I find this answer helpful
  User's Response
Rule out carcinoma oesophagus. Does she have difficulty in swallowing/ drinking liquids as well? In CA oesophagus there will be more difficulty in swallowing liquids than solids.Has she been on NSAIDs (pain-killers)? - It could result in upper GI bleed resulting in malena or tar like stools due action of digestive juices. A lower GI bleed will be more bright/ red coloured.
I find this answer helpful
  User's Response
Rule out carcinoma oesophagus. Does she have difficulty in swallowing/ drinking liquids as well? In CA oesophagus there will be more difficulty in swallowing liquids than solids.Has she been on NSAIDs (pain-killers)? - It could result in upper GI bleed resulting in malena or tar like stools due action of digestive juices. A lower GI bleed will be more bright/ red coloured.
I find this answer helpful
  User's Response
Rule out carcinoma oesophagus. Does she have difficulty in swallowing/ drinking liquids as well? In CA oesophagus there will be more difficulty in swallowing liquids than solids.Has she been on NSAIDs (pain-killers)? - It could result in upper GI bleed resulting in malena or tar like stools due action of digestive juices. A lower GI bleed will be more bright/ red coloured.
I find this answer helpful
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Dementia, Bedridden, Tar Like Stools, Unable To Swallow Food. Any Treatment?

Hello Welcome to HCM She is passing tar like stools and she is not on iron supplements. The tar like or black stools may be seen when there is some bleeding focus in GIT tract. I would advise you to please take her to a hospital and get her evaluated for any bleeding cause from intestines. Polyps or ulceration may be the cause behind the tar like stools. She is also suffering from dementia and is bed ridden so I would advise you to take her to a Psychiatrist for expert opinion. Medicines like Memantin, Donepezil are very useful in dementia. Apart from medicines provide her proper supportive care. Thanks Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi, MD