What are the potential differential diagnoses and recommended diagnostic evaluations for a patient presenting with a 6-to-8-month history of worsening abdominal bloating and distension, early satiety, alternating bowel habits (including loose stools and hard, black stools), incomplete evacuation, and urinary frequency, which has been refractory to laxatives, PPI-prokinetic combinations, probiotics, and digestive enzymes, despite normal liver function tests?
Given your presentation, especially the black stools and early satiety, it is important to have a thorough evaluation by a gastroenterologist. Potential conditions to consider include peptic ulcer disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or motility issues. To find the cause, a specialist may recommend an upper endoscopy to examine your stomach, a colonoscopy, stool tests, or abdominal imaging. Please share the symptom of black stools with a healthcare provider promptly.