IBS making me miserable

[Sweeney230]

Hello, I'm 34 years old and have suffered with IBS for about 10 years. It's got to the point now where I'm practically a hermit! IBS rules my every decision, it's the first thing I think of when I get up and it's constantly on my mind all day. I have constant aches and pains in my stomach and if I know I am going anywhere I take Imodium. It's gets me so down that it's gotten this bad and I don't see how I can break the cycle. I worry about getting a bout of IBS and the worry makes the IBS flare up!!!!!!

[ivesy]

Hi Sweeney, can you confirm what tests you have had to confirm the IBS diagnosis. Sometimes I think that increased anxiety and thinking about it all the time can make it 10x worse than it actually is. Have you spoken to anyone about it professionally?

[Sweeney230 in reply to ivesy]

I have only had blood tests which ruled out anything more sinister than IBS but that's it. I have tried to explain how I feel to my doctor but he just says it's something I have to learn to live with.

I know my worrying will aggravate it but I can't help worrying especially if I know I'm going on a journey or into a meeting.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post.

[ivesy in reply to Sweeney230]

Blood tests really aren't enough to make an IBS diagnosis. You really need to have a colonoscopy in order to rule out anything more sinister. You might find that once you've had these tests and know that there is nothing else going on that you have less anxiety. Also you can then focus on other approaches such as changing your diet etc... But it begins with a thorough diagnosis.

[Sweeney230 in reply to ivesy]

Thanks for your advice ivesy, I be a bit more forceful I think with my GP and get a colonoscopy arranged.

It's just been a really bad IBS day and being at work doesn't help when all I need is to be at home.

Thanks for you help.

[denvajade]

Ask your doctor for a test for Dysbiosis

[nvp100]

I would also recommend an endoscopy and also ultrascan on abdomen area to rule out other things .....ibs is a diagnosis based on excluding other illnesses ....you can't call it on a blood test ...that's crazy

N

[Clo23]

See if you can be referred to a gastroenterologist, they will be able to rule out anything else and if it does turn out to be IBS they can refer you to a dietician which might make it a bit more comfortable for you!