Are poo tests worthwhile?

[Lib1]

Hi all. I was diagnosed with IBS 20 odd years ago when there weren't really any tests available. Has anyone paid for a stool analysis or had stool tests with the GP which have helped? Thanks

[Hidden]

Hi Lib,I see you have a few questions here,so I hope I can be of a bit of help.

Firstly I would just like to tell you I've had chronic IBS,(I think) for about 13yrs,I suffer daily that's why I say I think,because I'm in the process of tests.

Now then poo tests,because of my age I have one every year,and I do think it's important,now what you must remember is they cannot diagnose IBS,because it's a syndrome meaning anything,but what can be diagnosed is what you haven't got.

The poo test for IBS is based on the shape,colour,ect of your poo,this is called The Bristol stool for scale,then from that,they see if your in The Rome ll Criteria.

There's a book by Professor John Hunter,that details all there is to know about IBS.

Now then from what I've been watching ( A video from a Dr ) the best way to heal your gut is Bone Broth which I've just started making,and it's quite nice,and easy,it also helps with lots of other things like vitamins. You can watch videos on you tube,to show you how to make it. As for probiotics some people say they help,but for me I think I've been through them all to no avail. I take it you've had a colonoscopy ?

If you want to PM me with your email, I'll try and send you this video on how to heal your gut,and intestines. Hope that's been of some help.

[Lib1]

Hi thanks Gemini. No I've not had any invasive tests as yet, just a barium meal X-ray on the upper GI tract. I don't plan to have a colonoscopy unless I had bleeding or other serious symptoms, but I hope to discover whether too much or too little of the right bacteria is causing my symptoms. I've asked my GP for a stool test and they are doing it tomorrow, so hopefully at least find out some info from that. I have seen some rather expensive tests online offering comprehensive stool analysis and just wondered whether anyone had found benefit from having that done. Thanks again.

[Franjanu]

Yes paid and done a few tests. It's well worthwhile to get all the information you need even though it's horrible to do! Haha it's won't tell u if u have ibs but it can give u information about gut bacteria and so on

Www.coconutandwhat.com

[Lib1 in reply to Franjanu]

Hi Franjanu

Thanks for the info. I have just done a poo test for the GP but I think it only tests for basic things like infection or parasites, it doesn't go into much detail about bacteria. I've seen some tests that cost a lot of money but are more comprehensive. Would love to hear from others who have had it and benefitted. Thanks