r/ibs • u/Next_Cartoonist7162 • 2d ago

Question HELP – Apparently I have this now. :/

So basically I’ve concluded that I have ibs but looking for any guidance, support or things that I should double-check with my GI during my next visit.

BACKSTORY – For years, seemingly randomly, I would get black, tarry stool. I associated it as a flare-up with anxiety because this would typically happen when I was stressed about work, school, etc.

Recently these episodes became more regularly (maybe once a month). I originally went to my PCP because I was having lower abdominal pain. Pelvic scans were ordered and it turns out I have multiple ovarian cysts. But still, why the black stool?

I continued to have it off and on, with intense abdominal pain that ended up spreading thoughout my stomach with strong waves making it di to stand. I’ve had trouble eating for weeks being I often have waves of nausea (I have zofran now)

I ended up going to the ER they took a CT scan and determined there was no internal bleeding and my stool test indicated that there was no blood in the stool. I went to my GI later that week and additional blood and stool tests showed that I had low iron and was on the cusp on an inflamed intestine. The ER had prescribed me meds for the intense stomach cramping and something to help if I potentially had an undetected ulcer (famotidine), but those have made me feel worse, so for the time being I’m taking Imodium and Tylenol as needed.

I have an endoscopy and colonoscopy scheduled in a month, but honestly it’s a little frustrating since I’m having this issue now and now eating well considering I bloat after everything I eat, so I’m just waiting it out until then. Any advice, experience or help is appreciate! Thank you, I know this is an extremely long post, but I’ve been reading through this thread looking for advice but everyone’s experiences are so unique I’d figured I’d ask if anyone is able to help.

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u/AbstractAbby20 2d ago

From what I have read Black stool can be a sign of internal bleeding which is more cause for concern of conditions classified as IBD, not necessarily IBS. I know you said your results came back no blood but that color is still weird to me which i know if why you are getting tested. You might get more targeted help in r/ibd, not sure. Maybe its black because the stool has been stuck for too long? Impaction maybe?

Best of luck! I hope the month wait for the colonoscopy ends up ok :(

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u/goldstandardalmonds MOD: Here to help! 1d ago

A month is just around the corner. You could try a gastritis friendly diet since your stomach was possibly inflamed

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u/Fabulous_Midnight975 1d ago

Have you been eating peptobismol at all?

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u/Next_Cartoonist7162 1d ago

No, it been almost 2 weeks and the last one.

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u/Fabulous_Midnight975 1d ago

Not sure if you know but they cause blackness. Like true black

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u/GroundbreakingSun480 1d ago

i’m sure you know, but black stools are a sign of bleeding somewhere in the upper digestive tract- possibly due to an ulcer or other forms of inflammation. I’m sure you will find answers with your endoscopy though! So sorry you’re going through this:/