Brief Answer:
To check for gastrointestinal bleed (black tarry stools)

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Your description of the symptoms indicate blood in stools (clotted blood).

Would you clarify a few things for me, please?
* Do you smoke or consume alcohol?
* What is your height and weight?
* Do you have any other medical issues or take any medications?
* Have you any surgeries?
* Have these symptoms occurred before? How often and when was the last time?
* Do you have any other symptoms like abdominal pain, heart burn, bloating, vomiting, difficult / incomplete micturition, giddiness, palpitations, chest discomfort or breathing difficulty?
* Any change in diet or water intake?
* Are you on any supplements?
* Were you on antibiotics when you got the C. Diff. Infection? If so, why?
* what is your activity level like?


I recommend:
- A physician / gastroenterologist consult right away to rule out gastrointestinal bleed.
- Blood tests (complete blood count, clotting profile, electrolyte levels, kidney & liver function tests, prostate specific antigen)
- Urine and stool analysis
- An endoscopy / colonoscopy if clinically indicated.

Based on this a diagnosis can be made and treatment initiated.

In the meantime :
- Drink plenty of water (unless medically contraindicated by Coexisting illness)
- Add natural fiber to diet (in form of whole fresh fruits and Vegetables, refined grains). Do this once the constipation is relieved this time. Till then, have a liquid, semisolid diet
- Limit caffeine to a cup a day.
- Avoid spicy, oily food.
- Chew food well before swallowing
- Walk for exercise, whenever possible.

Do not take another suppository without talking to/seeing your doctor first.

Hope this helps. Hope you feel better soon. Wish you good health.

Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad
General & Family Physician

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