My boyfriend has had abdominal pain and swelling in the abdominal region as well. is this internal bleeding? black stool as well, maybe from peptobismal? says he feels tired after doing nothing all day. is this internal bleeding?

Melena : Melena occurs due to gastrointestinal bleeding. The bowels movements are black, tarry (sticky) and very malodorous. It takes more than a small amount of blood to cause melena. Internal bleeding can cause a person to feel weak and tired if they become anemic. I can not tell you if your boyfriend has internal bleeding, but if he is experiencing major gastrointestinal bleeding, that can be life threatening. He should contact his doctor at absolute minimum. If his stools are tarry and stink, he should get immediate care.

Bismuth : Bismuth can turn stool black. However so can bleeding in the stomach or esophagus. Stool can be tested for occult blood by a simple in office test. Bleeding ulcers or bleeding esophageal varices are very serious and require immediate medical attention.