What to do about my stomach cramping, bowel changes, etc..? Endoscope/Colonoscopy?

I have been having stomach cramping, bowel changes, painful bowels (at times), gas, bloating, diarreah (diarrhea)(at times) & left side (stomach area) discomfor for the last 3 months. I have had blood work done, xray & ultrasound done, everything is coming out normal at this point. I went to a gastro doctor which he very vaigely said it might be IBS but wasnt sure. I am debating on whether or not to have an endoscope and a colonoscopy done?  I am of course, nervous to have those done and was also wondering if both can be done at the same time? I am having a hard time on figuring out what i should take for these symptoms and what to eat??? I am a natural person & dont like to take all these drugs the doctors want you to try then you have more side effects from them!
Hopefully something can help with these questions or can relate to these symptoms??!!

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
These symptoms could be due to  IBS.
Endoscopy ( both upper and lower) is done when alarm symptoms are present  which may be in the form of weight loss, bleeding, or if the symptoms occur nocturnally also ( which may indicate that the problem is not functional).
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.