unusual chronic symptoms

[talk246]

For the past few months I have had loose stools that come and go.  I rarely have a regular stool.   It's very uncomfortable, not like normal diarrhea, but instead a burning feeling and cramping in my abdomen.  It isn't painful, but I get very nauseous.  Sometimes there is mucus in the stool.  I thought it was IBS, but this is the first time it has lasted for more than a week. Over the past few years, sometimes I have to urinate, but instead of the usual feeling, I feel very sick in my abdomen and I get bad gas with loose stool and cramps.  It is happening all the time now, and effects me daily.
I am 26 and am a healthy weight.  I am fairly stress free.  I haven't changed my diet except I am drinking more fluids, which hasn't helped.  Ovary problems are common in my family.  I have had intense pain in my ovary area a few times in the past, but my obgyn says they are fine.  I know some of these symptoms are common with ovarian cancer.  Are these related?
Thank you very much for any information.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Loose stools can be indicative of IBS, but I would consider other causes first.  

Inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, infection, pancreatitis, and malabsorption can also lead to these symptoms.

Workup to consider would include a colonoscopy, CT scan of the abdomen as well as stool studies to exclude malabsorption or infection.  A blood test for celiac disease can also be considered.

These options can be discussed with your GI physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com

[Snooglez]

A related discussion, Is loose stools with no cramping normal? was started.