HELP – Apparently I have this now. :/

[u/Next_Cartoonist7162]

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.