IBS Tests

[KateS82]

Hello all,

I'm looking for advice really. I have had IBS for about 10 years, recently I changed doctors and they are looking into my symptoms more closely, because I've now been getting pain in my hip and lower back when I go to the toilet.

I have to have 3 stools samples which is fine but I don't know if I'm being ridiculous or not but....I took Imodium and normally after that it's blocks me up for a few days and then I get really painful hard stools and that I get diarrhea again. I was going to wait until I got diarrhea before doing the samples because that's what my "normal" stools are like and didn’t want to send in a sample of the harder stool incase it doesn't give them the correct/same results? Am I being silly or will the same results be found no matter the type of stool?

Thank you

[Lisahelen]

As you have to do three, perhaps one of each at least if you can pass them relatively close together. They will be testing each of them after all.

[Fruitandnutcase]

Not sure what they're looking for. If it's bacteria or that sort of thing then I figure the same stuff will be in them all regardless if the texture. Good that your new doctor is taking your condition seriously. Good luck.

[A_IBS]

Did they mention endometriosis of the bowel? The location & timing of your pain is one of the symptoms. Maybe worth looking into?

[Iesgobdafydd]

If you phone the surgery you should be able to get a doctor to answer your question. Our doctors here will usually phone us back the same day if we have a question the receptionists/secretaries can't answer. I know it can feel a little embarrassing to talk with the receptionists about body issues, but they should be used to it and trained to respond professionally - loads of people have blood tests or stool tests and it's quite normal not to think to ask everything you need to know during your appointment.