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? weve 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
Hello Welcome to Chat Doctor 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 bedridden, so I would advise you to take her to a Psychiatrist for expert opinion. Medicines like Semantic, Donepezil are very useful in dementia. Apart from medicines provide her proper supportive care. Thanks