I really just want to know what is wrong with me...

[LyraLeandra]

I am 17 years old, Female, roughly 140 pounds, 5'7", and have had a lot of gastrointestinal problems starting a few weeks ago. It started right after I started getting better from what I think was Bronchitis. I was never taken to the doctor for it so I can't really confirm it was bronchitis of a bad sinus infection. I think it may be IBS, but I'd like some more input.

Symptoms:
-Upset stomach?nasea and occassionally vomitting
-occassional pain in the abdomen, typically the lower left quadrant
-lose of appetite
-occassional gaseous
-alternate between constipation and diarrhea
-black tar colored stools at times
-visible mucus on stool
-feeling of having to make a bowel movement several times a day

These symptoms come and go lasting from 20 minutes to a few hours. It is also sometimes made worse by eating or even drinking fluids, I've noticed that it doesn't matter if I eat an apple, granola bar, a tomato, or a muffin. Also, there is often food in my stool, like it was chewed but not really digested(gross, I know sorry). I've also been losing weight. Its been between 5 and 10 pounds in a week, but I think that is from the lack of food I usually eat in the day now. I still try to eat, like granola bars or an apple, just something. I also try to eat a fully dinner every night, my symptoms don't seem to be as bad at night.

[B_Shel20]

Also, having worse symptoms at day than night is very typical of IBS. The colon is active when you are awake and sleeps at night when you do. So an active colon will cause more symptoms than a sleepy colon!

[B_Shel20]

Your symptoms are consistant with IBS, however the black tar colored stools and alternating c and d(Which is only a concern because of the black stool) should at least warrant a visit to your doctor.

In major issues like Colon Cancer, black tar colored stool is due to melena, and this is usually found in ascending colon(The right side of your abdomen) So opposite side of where your pain complaints are.

Black colored stools can be caused by many issues, not just diseases. It can be caused by food, high iron, medicines,etc. But to be on the safe side, and to avoid causing more issues or prolonging it, you will want to visit your doctor and let them know whats going on.

[cfstorey]

From everything i read, it sounds like severe IBS. I would definitely have it checked out by a doctor who can tell you exactly what it is and how to handle it.
http://www.webmd.com/ibs/guide/irritable-bowel-syndrome-living-managing

but again, this is just my guess. I hope it helps. Keep us posted ok! - Cathi