I'm reluctant to post this, but... does this look like coffee ground emesis?

Update 4: Hello everyone, just checking in to say I’m okay. My blood work showed the bleeding has stopped for now, though my Ferritin levels are down to 6 :smiling_face_with_tear:. I’m scheduled for an endoscopy in a week or two. I suspect it’s ulcers.

Update #3: The gastroenterologist was helpful and verified that it was indeed partially digested blood. He left the decision to fly up to me, noting the potential risks involved. Since I felt fine, I chose to take the flight and landed without issue. I’m setting up an endoscopy consult for Tuesday, hoping for a quick turnaround. The backlog is intense; one specialist quoted a six-week wait, though he mentioned the ER is faster :sweat_smile:. I’m monitoring my symptoms and informing my coworkers so someone is aware if my condition shifts. It’s better being around people here than being alone at home. Just trying to stay positive.

Another update: Sadly, the ER visit didn’t provide much clarity. The doctor only said it was a possibility I’d vomited blood. I have a telehealth call with a GI specialist right before my flight to determine if it’s safe to travel.

Update: Thanks so much for the guidance and for pushing me to seek help, particularly regarding the risks of flying. It’s 4 a.m. and I’m on my own, so your input was invaluable. I’m heading to the emergency room now and will keep you posted. I’m hoping for the best, but since I can’t sleep anyway, I’d rather have answers before taking any chances. My employers are actually very supportive, so I shouldn’t have stressed about work. My health is definitely more important than my career!

30-year-old female here. I went for my usual 45-minute run, and my heart rate peaked at 195. After showering at home, I started feeling extremely sick about 90 minutes later. Even after resting for 20 minutes, my pulse stayed at 100 bpm. When I stood up, I threw up something that looked identical to coffee grounds—dark, gritty material with clumps. This happened at 9:30 p.m., even though I hadn’t eaten since 1 p.m., and nothing I consumed was that color. I checked my temperature twice and it was low, around 35.8°C, which really scared me. I’m feeling slightly improved now, but I’m anxious about sleeping. I have a mandatory business trip tomorrow and don’t want to make a fuss if it’s nothing. My heart rate has dropped to the 80s, though my usual resting rate is 65. Can I wait until my virtual doctor’s appointment tomorrow evening? The timing is terrible. Also, back in early February, I threw up a strange, thick purple liquid that didn’t match anything I’d consumed. I’m quite concerned.

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I should also mention that I’ve been experiencing bouts of extreme exhaustion lately.

You must head to the emergency room immediately to check for a potential upper gastrointestinal bleed. This cannot wait. Contact your supervisor right now, explain that you have a medical emergency, and go straight to the hospital. You can give them the necessary medical notes later to justify your absence.

That image is a classic example of ‘coffee ground emesis,’ which, as others noted, is digested blood. This indicates bleeding in your stomach or the upper part of your small intestine. The intensity of your run probably increased your blood flow enough to worsen the bleed, leading to vomiting. Blood naturally irritates the stomach and causes nausea. Cancel your trip and go to the ER, making sure to show them the photos. They will likely perform a CT scan and have a specialist schedule an endoscopy for tomorrow. They’ll also run blood tests; while a transfusion is possible if your levels are low, your heart rate suggests your hemoglobin might not be that critical yet. Do you frequently take NSAIDs like Advil or ibuprofen?