Loose stools would lean towards IBS as well. But its a pretty nonspecific symptom and doesnt narrow things down a ton. :-(
thanks for this reply. i should have been clearer. i have had "looser stool" than normal at times. but not diarrhea. i don't believe I've had diarrhea even once so far. not sure if that natters or not. my most recent one (sry this is so gross) was small and seemed to be covered in a whitish substance. maybe mucus from excess production in stomach?also thx for the heads up that a positive pylori test doesn't mean that's the cause. frustrating, but good to know nonetheless.