Question: I am a 27 year old male. I have had GI issues for maybe 4 years. It began as upper abdominal pain, my doctor struggled to give a diagnosis. Eventually diagnosed with H.pylori infection, given a course of antibiotics. After taking the antibiotics, i began have lower abdominal bloating and discomfort, gassiness (belching and flatulence) and my bowel movements changed (softer, yellower, often float). Also notice a sour taste in my mouth when I wake up. I have been struggling with this ever since. I Have seen multiple doctors, most are quick to diagnose me with GERD and have tried controlling for GERD with PPIs etc.

About 2 months ago, I began having a new symptom. It feels like there is a golf ball under my left rib. Not palpable with my hand, just when I lean towards my left side, I can feel that something is being compressed, but dont feel the same sensation when I lean towards my right. I also notice lower left abdominal discomfort/fullness, when I push on it, it feels like I want to have a bowel movement. I saw my doctor and he ordered an abdominal Xray. My doctor said they found some calcification on the left side (upper and lower) but said that was not an atypical finding and its probably unrelated. For the last two weeks, I have been taking Omeprazole, also began taking a Men's multivitamin, Fish oil, boron and Coenzyme Q, and trying to keep a clean diet. No real improvement in symptoms. My doctor said the last thing he wants me to try is a probiotic for about a week, and if I dont see any improvements, he will refer me to GI. Today I noticed that my stools had many dark spots (dime sized or less). I think I have noticed some dark spots in my stools before, but not frequently or consistently, and as big or pronounced as I noticed today. I have also been mildly constipated for the last week or so.

Also (probably unrelated) but for the last week or so I have noticed a strange sensation on the left side of my face. Its not really painful but it feels like my skin is tight, or as if something is lightly pressing against the side of my face. When I touch it, I have a very mild stinging or prickly sensation. I think this may be more related to stress, but thought I would mention it nonetheless. I have had issues with anxiety and panic attacks in the past, and I do believe I'm probably a hypochondriac.

Obviously, these digestive symptoms tend to worry me a lot, and the newest symptom of feeling like there is a golf ball under my left rib and the black spots in my stool today have me especially worried. Any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.