“When should you go to the ER for liver problems?”
I have cirrhosis and noticed dark stool. Should I go to ER?
4 Answers
If you know it’s your gallbladder, then going to urgent care is helpful because there just going to send you to the ER. The best thing to do is set up an appointment with a surgeon who can give you a definitive answer if it’s truly your gallbladder with an ultrasound in the office, and set up a time to remove your gallbladder if you need to.
Black/tarry stool color is often a sign of bleeding - which can be a problem from liver disease. (Diseased livers do not produce certain blood components that help prevent bleeding from occurring). Your PCP may also be able to help. Bedside testing is a simple rectal exam, and checking the stool for signs of blood (guaic card)
Dark stools alone are not an indication. Fever, abdominal pain, and or confusion are some of the most serious indications that need to be evaluated acutely.
Yes
