bowel changes, black stools and nausea

[kkrew]

A little more than two months ago my stools changed. They started getting flat. As time has progressed they are getting flatter and smaller. I even have pencil stools. Sometimes they're together (flat first, then pencil at the end). I started on Benefiber about three weeks ago and nothing has changed. Once I had dark stool, then awhile later I had what appeared to be a black line in one. This week I've passed all black stool with no form twice (once was this morning) and just now passed all black with no form, not even resembling diarrhea. Almost looked coffee ground-ish. My other symptoms are that I am extremely tired. I cannot get enough sleep. I have pains in my abdomen. Sometimes crampy, sometimes shooting, always in the lower left area (not constant). My weight has not dropped although I am eating less than normal due to lack of appetite. I have nausea and get exerted walking when I usually out walk everybody I'm with despite multiple orthopedic issues. I went to see my gastro and he mentioned IBS and I am scheduled for a colonoscopy on 11/10. I am well acquainted with gastroenterology as I am lactose intolerant (not enough for meds, I just deal with it and try to avoid milk products), have Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (again not bad as I am learning what my triggers are) and had surgery 3 years ago for a hiatal hernia with a stomach that was twisted over on itself. I had minor GERD before surgery and lately (prior to the stool changes) it got worse. I am not taking any GI meds. All my meds are ones I had been taking for months prior to the stool changes. I firmly do not believe I have IBS. I know my body. I know what my body does in response to what I do, eat and experience. I have a shaky relationship with my GI physician as I was all but completely ignored after complications arose after the hernia repair. (which was not fully successful since I ended up with worse GERD, complications AND I again have a hernia). I only chose him because he has my 25 year history at his fingertips. My family history does not have any known colon cancer but my dad's brother did die from stomach and esophageal cancer. I do have family history of lymphoma and other cancers on my mother's side. I am trying to dissuade myself from thinking about the worst-case scenarios but I am at a loss as to what to do, who to see and how hard to fight for testing, knowing 100% that my body is "off" and I don't know how to make it clear I need help. I am a 43 yo female.

[becky808]

It sounds like gluten sensitivity to me. People with gluten sensitivities or intolerance don't always test positive for Celiac sprue. Some people don't test positive until they are extremely sick (as in organs failing).

If I were you I would do a trial gluten free diet to see if your symptoms improve.

[kkrew]

I have been tested for celiac-sprue. I am not allergic to wheat products nor do I eat a lot of them. And I have a parent with colitis so I know what is involved. Take your internet practice elsewhere and leave people that need a clear answer alone.