Can anyone relate to my symptoms? I think my Dietician may be wrong thinking I have IBS.

[Jo146]

I've been in constant abdominal pain for the last 21 months, generally on a low level with occasional bad days causing time off from work.Because there have been times that the pain has increased dramatically, which appeared to be after eating something specific, my doctor sent me to a dietician putting me on the low-FODMAPS diet to test for intolerance. Unfortunately, due to the 7 weeks required, I have failed the diet 3 times already as my dietician told me that I have to be strict or it and I've messed up and had to start again (usually after around 5 weeks seeing no reduction in pain). A few days ago my abdominal pain increased dramatically and I've been feeling nauseous, when hungry, but I can't each much and then feel sick again and had diarrhoea. I'm now worried that this can't be IBS because all the info I've read doesn't seem to cover my symptoms. I'm worried I've been mis diagnosed as I seem to have symptoms of stomach cancer. If anyone can relate to these symptoms can you let me know! My doctor hasn't done other tests since putting me on the diet, only an ultrasound and blood tests, because she said she wants to see if the diet shoes IBS first but I'm worried now that my pain has increased that she's wrong.

Any advice would be great, permanently in fear now!

[Help123]

Jo, I am sure you will get the same from others but IBS is usually diagnosed when all else has been tested for. My advice would be insist on a CT scan and explain your concerns. Unfortunately you do have to stick to the diet to get results and 5 weeks is possibly not long enough. I've been on mine 3 mths and only just trying to re introduce now which once used to FODMAP is actually worse as you are waiting for pain. Don't accept no from your GP for the CT it will def show up cancer if you have it and can relieve your concerns. You don't say how old you are either and if under 40 stomach cancer and other cancers are rare. IBS does get used too often as an illness/ excuse by GPs your GP is not in a position really to diagnose this only a gastro consultant. Good luck.

[Huston in reply to Help123]

I absolutely agree with everything help 123 has told you . You must insist on a ct scan .

[Anjie24]

It could be diverticulitis that is extremely painful and can flare up intermittently. Ask your doc to refer you to a gastroenterologist and ask for a ct colon scan. I was told for years that I had IBS and eventually found I had diverticular disease so bad that I had to have part of my bowel removed. I am not saying that will happen to you but get the doc to do some tests, barium enema etc. good luck

[Ibsr]

I would go straight bak to your Dr and insist s/he refers you to a gasterologist who specialises in the gut. You need to have the full tests to eliminate celiac, crohns etc etc.

When I started the FODMAP diet I noticed an improvement in days.

Not sure why you think it is stomach cancer...the symptoms you mention are the same as IBS. Remember IBS is a label given to people when the dr has no clue what is causing the pain!

Good luck.

[Hidden]

You need to get back to your doctor and insist on a Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy - these tests will find out if there is anything that needs further investigation.