Different types of digestive issues and heartburn-which I have never had before

[bookishly]

Last month I started to experience digestive issues I never had before. I am 27 and had not felt constipated or every experienced heartburn. Out of nowhere I started having some dull pains and constipation, or rather a feeling of incomplete bowel movements. But on some days I would have diarrhea instead. The  pains, which were different from gas pains, freaked me out so I went to my doctor. She didn't see anything wrong and said it was normal to have these issue for a while month, which I had at that point. A few weeks went by and I ate more fiber and drank less coffee and alcohol. It seemed to get a little better. I was having thin stools those went away and it was almost normal. Then I started having the heartburn. About 5 straight days and tums don't do anything for it.  Any idea what can suddenly bring this on? I also feel nauseous sometimes.  I am trying to avoid foods that trigger heartburn.  I have read about IBS and that sounds possible, but I don't want to go back to the doctor (no insurance) if I am just reaching the age where I get to experience these things finally.

[patient915]

Welcome to the gastroenterology community!  This does sound like it could be IBS along with GERD.  You can try dietary changes to see if that helps your problems.

[bookishly]

I should also mention that I am female, a normal weight, and I exercise at least a little everyday. I walk at least two miles too. I do tend to be a little stressed out so I am wondering if it just that catching up to me.  The issue has also gotten a little better. For a few weeks I would have to run to make a bm as soon as I woke up. I'd go and then have to go again an hour later. Now I just go in the morning after my coffee, but it is still not normal.