Nervous about gastroenterologist appointment.

[rustydog]

I’ve had IBS symptoms for the last 18 year but had asked my gp for a referral as I have had enough of current ongoing symptoms, lots of frequent rumblings and gurglings in stomach and bowels, lots of wind (up and down), spasm like feeling in right side, very unsettled feeling in the mornings and a constant feeling that my guts are angry/unhappy. The whole thing has had a big impact on my life, I feel very anxious and down and it’s effecting my social life and my life in general.

I’m just wondering how your initial consultation went. What was suggested? I really want to get to the bottom of this (pardon the pun) but I’m very nervous what will be suggested, especially the suggestion of a possible colonoscopy, the thought of that procedure and the prep scares the life out of me, especially as my GP(who was reluctant to refer me) said a colonoscopy has big risks attached!!

Thanks all.

[Hidden]

Hi rustydog,

Yes, gastroscopy and colonoscopy aren't things to look forward to, I agree, but it's highly likely that both of these procedures will be suggested to you at the initial consultation. However, there's a brilliant alternative which, although it's been around for a while now, and is available at most hospitals, doesn't seem to be volunteered by many gastros. It's called a capsule endoscopy and is completely non-invasive, I suggest you ask for this. Here's a link:

thh.nhs.uk/documents/_Patie...

Hope this helps and I wish you well.

Cat

[rustydog in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Cat, I will definitely ask about this.

[b1b1b1]

What is your age? Colonoscopy risks for people under 70 are minimal to non existent, although you should double check this with your gastro. The prep is a pain in the neck, but not really that bad - more annoying.

[rustydog in reply to b1b1b1]

I’m 45.

[b1b1b1]

If the gastro suggests a colonoscopy (which he may not), there would not be a risk. It's not terrible. As I said, more of an annoyance. After age 50 you are supposed to have one every 10 years. Immediately after, you feel normal.

[rustydog in reply to b1b1b1]

Thank you, that is reassuring 🙂

[Shaddix29]

Hi Rustydog. I saw a gastroenterologist and felt like I wasn't listened to that much. So if you can, go in with any questions you have written down and anything you want to discuss as its easy to forget while you are there. They suggested that I have a sigmoidoscopy (which is sort of like a partial colonoscopy I guess). I really didn't want to have this done, but they found diverticular so it was worthwhile I suppose. The prep wasn't pleasant, but I found out later it was unnecessary for me to do the moviprep as they usually just do an enema.

They also suggested that I follow the low FODMAP diet, which I have some information coming from a dietician, so hopefully that will be helpful. If you do see a dietician, make sure they are FODMAP trained. As the one I initially saw (gave them months notice what I wanted to talk about so they could prepare) wasnt actually trained in it and just googled.. but then I got put in touch with one that was.

Good luck with your appointment, I hope you get what you need from it.

[Rubynoodles37 in reply to Shaddix29]

Thank you for that. Yes I will definitely write everything down, my mind always goes blank at medical appointments (I have health anxiety and turn to mush in hospitals!).

[mnm1944]

Hello. I had IBS symptoms for many years. one week I couldn't leave the house as diarrhoea set in,, the next week constipation and severe lower stomach pains. I hadn't done anything different with my diet that would cause changes. I had a couple of endo-colon examinations and was also tested for coeliac disease and that was negative. I tried gluten free for a while but the bread is awful. Then I found out I could eat Bread from Baker's Delight. They don't use preservatives in their bread. I have been doing this for the past month and am so much better and regular and almost normal. I'm convinced it is the preservatives /additives in commercial bread that were upsetting my gut. Maybe you could look at those things too. It's a bit of trial and error to see what you're comfortable with. I have had an auto-immune disease for 20 years so that adds to my problems too. Hope you get some good news soon. Cheers mnm1944