I seem to have two different conditions. For about 4 or 5 months, my bowel movements have been more frequent -- at least twice a day. In the past, they only once a day at most. About 8 years ago, I had radiation therapy for prostate cancer. I recall proctitis as a possible side effect, but I thought that unlikely 8 years after the therapy. The second problem began about 4 weeks ago: bloating and consistent discomfort in the upper abdomen -- that along with flatulence and three days of black stools. This began a couple of days after a coffee binge (trying to meet a publication deadline). For many years, I have suffered with acid reflux, but it has not been a problem for some time; I was taken off meds for it 2 or 3 years ago. --Male, 68.