Help!!!!

[Lhamilton]

I was diagnosed with IBS years ago, but didn't have any tests at the time, my Dr in fairness to him, I never push with anything cos I don't want to be a problem...the last three weeks I've been in alot of pain, so I joined an ibs website, one person said I should have had loads of tests etc, beofre he told me what I had...is this true I know she said she lived in the U.S. and I understand it's different there to England xx

[Hidden]

Hi,

You should definitely ask your GP for further tests or a referral to a gastroenterologist who will arrange them for you. It's always best to have these done to rule out any underlying problems. Tests can include some or all of the following: colonoscopy, gastroscopy and malabsorption tests. Crohn's and Coeliac Disease also need to be ruled out.

In the meantime, why don't you try the low-FODMAP diet which is very successful for loads of people?

Roz

[Hidden]

Try the Fodmap as suggested.

Pathophysiology...|FODMAP absorption|FODMAP sources in...|See also

FODMAPs are short chain carbohydrates (oligosaccharides), disaccharides, monosaccharides and related alcohols that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine. These ...

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FODMAP - Cached

The Monash University Low FODMAP diet - Faculty of Medicine ...

Centres/Clinical Schools Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health Australian Cochrane Centre Centre for Clinical Effectiveness Centre for Obesity ...

med.monash.edu.au/cecs/gastro/fodmap - Cached

You can buy the app for iphone and buy a fodmap book on Amazon. Have got it cannot quite remember name but by a woman named Catsos.

As for your doctor, i have found the only way to get anything done is to be demanding. God knows in my experince doctors are getting paid enough for doing very little and too many doctors label things as IBS and treat as a minor inconvenience and never investigate further.

You need to go back, be assertive, see another dr if necessary. Ask to be referred for full blood checks to rule out illnesses, thyroid, bone, fbc, etc...

If they come back as normal ask for a referral to gastro who will be better qualified in dealing with IBS than a g.p.

Your health is what counts, not making the doctors life as easy as possible. Take someone with you for support if possible.

[Ibsr]

As Watership says go see your GP and be demanding. Tell them what you want and that your life is being affected and you have had enough.

It's what hey are there for so never feel that you are 'being a problem'.

Be strong and go get 'em

[Ibsr]

Ps sadly like Watership I only got tested again a year ago after demanding it after 20 years of pain and no help.