Is Dark Blood in Stool Normal for IBS?

Hi everyone I'm new to this forum and I'm feeling very depressed about my condition.  I'm a 33 year old woman and I've had mild Proctitis (inflammation of the rectum) for the last 4 years and general digestive complaints and abdominal pain which various doctors have diagnosed as IBS, for about as long.  I was away travelling for 7 months and my IBS symptons and Proctitis really improved (no stress etc etc) but since being back in Ireland and starting work again it's like I was never away!!  

A couple of days ago after severe abominal pain and cramping I passed dark blood in my stool which I have never seen before (usually have only had small specks in mucus etc) and have now been having awful pains since and am terrified to see blood like that again.  I've been in touch with my doctor who of course only suggests I come in for a Colonoscopy in 6wks. 

I'm so upset by all this and have convinced myself that I have Chrohns or Colitis.  Can anybody tell me if this is normal or should I be very concerned.  I could write pages about all the medicines (conventional and otherwise) I have taken and restrictive dietary regimes I have followed.

I agree with crazzy. Your doc should be more concerned with this. If he won't get you in sooner, can you see another doctor? (even if you have to travel a ways to do it).
And you're sure it's blood? And your sure it isn't blood from hemorroids, which is usually brighter red?
I can understand your concern. I think it's important to see a doctor before 6 weeks. Go ahead and schedule the colonoscopy for 6 weeks, just in case you can't get in anywhere else.
Did you tell your doc about the bleeding?
Try not to think the worst. Just try to see a doc and have a colonoscopy as soon as possible. Best of luck to you.

Cathy's right: food can make a big difference in making you feel better or worse. What all did you eat while on vacation? It could be that your overall diet or some particular food really helped you.

Thanks all for your replies.  I know you all think I'm mad to wait but I'm really not keen to go through with another Colonoscopy.  My doctor did seem to think that I should see how I'm feeling over the next few weeks and then come in if my situation remains the same or God forbid, gets worse.  I've been feeling a little better this last day but still doesn't feel 'right' down there and thank heavens I didn't pass any more blood.  I'm going to get an ultrasound done in the meantime to see if I have any gall stones but previous ones have revealed nothing when I've had similar pain.

Over the years I have become very 'in tune' with my body and I'm convinced that stress, in my case, is crucial to how I'm feeling and reacting physically.  I've been a vegetarian since my early teens but my diet, I'm beginning to feel, is less a factor as everything I eat is so super healthy now anyway ie organic where possible and plenty of fibre, vitamins, fish oils, proteins etc..

I'm just hoping that this was a bad spell and a horrible blip on what was otherwise an encouraging improvement in my general health.  Thanks for all your support and please let me know any further tips or advice you guys can come up with.

If you are worried about this being yoru gall bladder--which causes pain in the upper abdomen and/or right side--you really need a hidascan, not another ultrasound. A hidscan is what actually checks the function of your gall bladder. You can have one that doesn't work right but doesn't have stones either.