PI-IBS or something else

Okay, so 1 day after I ate a chicken quesadilla at a mexican restaurant, a little over a month ago, I started having bowel problems that I previously never had. I also ate sushi a week before that. I went to the bathroom and had to strain a bit, and my stool was very dark green,more so than I have ever seen it. For the first week, I had cramping in my lower left abdomen and left testicle. I was scared I may have had testicular cancer or epididymitis. Then, after about a week, the cramping in my left testicle subsided, but I have had a more and more difficult time having a bowel movement. They are green most of the time, and vary from narrow stools to larger, loosely formed stools. The excessive gas has subsided some, but I still have this near constant urge to empty the bowels, and sometimes if I eat anything too greasy, I get these bad cramps around where my small intestine is. There is no blood in my stool. The color ranges from green to brown, and sometimes bowel movements are easier than others.

I went to a GP and explained these symptoms to her, and she put me on cipro and flagyl. I only took the cipro once because after reading the potential side effects, I almost had a panic attack for even taking one. I am continuing the flagyl treatment, but it doesn't seem to be doing much, if any good. I went and bought Ultimate Flora with 30 billion probiotic strains, been eating greek yogurt, and have been taking that in conjunction with the flagyl, but haven't noticed any relief. I've also incresed fiber intake as well. I've had an ultrasound done as well as blood work, and everything was normal.

Does this sound like PI-IBS? I have been so stressed about this whole situation. I have had terrible insomnia for the past week. I've been 2-3, 10 mg melatonin for the last two nights, which has helped me get more rem sleep, but I can't seem to reach deep sleep due to waking up every 30 minutes or so. Perhaps I'm taking way too much? My appetite and sex drive has been reduced as well. I pretty much have to force myself to eat.

I'm 25 years old, and as I've said, I never had any bowel problems before except for occasional constipation for a day or two at a time. I'm also a very stressed and anxious person in general, which I know doesn't help the situation, and may have even caused this get as bad as it is. I'm trying to avoid seeing a gastroenterologist, as the stories I've read are discouraging.

Green stool is not a problem, it simply means that transit time through your digestive tract was too fast for the bile to fully oxidize. Don't worry about that.

Aside from the greek yogurt, which is a great choice, are you eating much dairy? If you are, stop. Lactose intolerance is the most common of all food intolerances. There is little to no lactose in yogurt, but milk, soft cheese and ice cream have a ton. If you are intolerant of lactose, eating a dairy meal will give you gas or even diarrhea, which sounds pretty much like what you are describing.

Lactose intolerance can be worse on some days, better on others. It can be temporarily induced by a viral infection or gastric distress. It gets more common as you get older.

Cooking your own food out of whole ingredients that you choose at a market is absolutely the most healthful way to eat. You can't "wear out" your digestive system, but it is good to pay attention to the signals your body is sending you. Improve your diet and see how you feel.

Hi Jared and Kaz (been seeing alot of your posts lately) about the green stool, could be something dark green in your diet causing it. I have green stools after drinks and foods with dye in them. Have you been eating something green frequently? Also the testicle pain. Have you been tested for an abdominal hernia? Try not to strain. That can give you one. You could possibly have one or even both sides even without pain. That surely won't help sex drives. Also, I have read that you had blood tests but have you had your stool tested? Blood doesn't have to be visible if you are bleeding. Yes, whom ever said no reason to panic now or never because it won't help anything out but if I were you I would get treatment for the anxiety because.. well actually I do. Try to diagnose and accept what you have so you can attack it the best way possible. Just thought I'd throw that out there for you. Hope things work out for you and GOOD LUCK.