What are the next steps the docs have proposed? They should start looking for the cause of the bleeding. Black, coffee ground like stools are digested blood which indicates bleeding far enough up in the GI system (in other words not hemorrhoids or rectal bleeding). This could be in your lower GI system or your upper GI system. If your symptoms get worse you should seek immediate medical care. While a slow bleed can be dealt with slowly a "blow out" can lead to an emergency. When I was a teenager my Mom didn't feel so great, she went to the doc who said she had the flu. Her blood pressure was low for her but within the normal range. She passed out in the office which was weird for her but it was cold and flu season. That night both her vomit and diarrhea were coffee grounds. She kept passing out. The next day she was hospitalized with a severe ulcer. She got 5 units of blood over the week she was there.

I certainly don't want to scare you. My sister this past year had a slow bleed which was managed just fine at home with PPIs. I just want you to know that if you start feeling worse you shouldn't assume it's the flu.......