This topic is about someone who has had an ileostomy for a year and a half and recently noticed that their output turned black after drinking several cranberry-vodka cocktails. They feel fine otherwise and are waiting to hear back from their gastroenterologist. They are curious if others have experienced something similar.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. If the black output is persistent, especially if it looks tar-like or has a foul smell, it could indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. It's important to contact a doctor or go to the emergency room if this continues or if you experience additional symptoms like pain, vomiting, changes in stoma color, dizziness, or fainting.

2. If the dark output happens just once, it might not be a cause for concern. You can wait 24 hours to see if the color returns to normal, but if it doesn't, it's wise to seek medical advice.

3. Alcohol, being a diuretic, can lead to dehydration but typically doesn't cause black output.

4. Cranberry juice might change the output to a red or purple hue, not black. Foods with dark pigments, like berries, grapes, beets, or dark chocolate, can make the output a deep brown but rarely black.

5. Other common non-food reasons for black stool or output include taking iron supplements, drinking Guinness stout, or using medications like Pepto Bismol (which contains bismuth subsalicylate).

6. The consistency of the output is important. Liquid or tar-like black output is more concerning than a thicker, more typical consistency.

7. Keep an eye on your hydration levels and overall symptoms. If you feel well and the color returns to normal quickly, it was likely a dietary issue and not something serious.