Acid reflux/indigestion/heartburn... and irregular bowel movements... HELP!

Suggest going to your GP and seeking a colonescopy.  If you are over 50 you should be able to have this as a matter of urgent course (given that your symptoms have persisted for over six weeks.)  That would allow you to have it done within a two week time frame.  I had one done just over a week ago - and although everything appeared fine - they took mulitple biopsies as the doctor suspected that I might have microscopic colitis.  Awaiting those results.  My symptoms were very much in order with yours.  In any case, good luck, louise65183.  

That is a tricky situation, Louise.  I do feel for you.  So difficult to know how to stear within the system.  I'm sure others here will have good advice for you.  All best wishes. 

Hi Louise, I know that IBS can cause excess mucous and stool changes. I don't think you should worry too much. If it persists then you have to have a talk with your gp and ask to be referred for a colonoscopy - just for your own peace of mind if nothing else. 

As for acid meds, when I first started mine I had terrible trouble - very similar to yours. 

As I said , try not to worry too much but done persistent if you are not happy.  

putting aside the issue of whether the meds did anything, one thing to look into at your age would be inflammatoyr bowel disorders- like Chrons or colitis. There's a blood test for a "chron's panel". there's also non-invasive testing of stools for a substance that begins with a C (i forget its name) that is present in inflammatory bowel disorders.

other thing to check is pancreatic functioning (again NON invasively) - stool sample for elastace or blood tests I think, and the usual- make suer you don't have H-Pylori (simple stool or blood test), stool test for ova and parasites. and of course who knows what the meds do. i find alot of folk (myself included) have both upper and lower GI symtpoms and its hard to know what'/s primary and what's secondary- docs seem much more reluctant to admit they go together and seem to want to treat each sepeartely.

Hello Louise, I have been having the same symptoms as you and I too have been very worried. I am curious as to what your diagnosis was? I am also 22. My doctor referred me to a gastroenterologist, but my appointment is not until May.