Diagnosed with IBS

[Emzies2207]

Hi everyone,

This week after 2 visits to the doctor I have been diagnosed with IBS, after telling the doctor my symptoms she straight away said IBS.

Other than the diagnosis and a suggestion to buy Mebeverine tablets, she basically said off you go and deal with it yourself. I'm now thinking surely there must be other tests/ referrals to help as it stands I have no idea where to start.

Can anyone give me an idea of tests I should/ could be offered?

Thanks!

[IBSNetwork Partner IBS Network]

Tests are not always necessary

Current guidelines encourage doctors to make a positive

diagnosis of Irritable bowel Syndrome on the Symptoms

alone. Investigations are usually only necessary if you have

recent symptoms with no obvious dietary or emotional

reason or if these symptoms indicate the possibility of

structural changes such as inflammation or cancer. Such

symptoms include rectal bleeding, weight loss, fever

or a change in the bowel habit coming on for the first

time in somebody over the age of 40. If your symptoms

indicate a possibility of a diagnosis other than Irritable

Bowel Syndrome, your doctor may need to refer you to a

gastroenterologist for further investigations.

[Smoq]

I had a similar experience and after persevering for nearly a year taking different medicines, the pain became so bad, I was referred for colonoscopy. I had polyps removed and was given a diagnosis of IBS with Diverticulitus. I still get fobbed off, but now I know what I am talking about. Ask for tests.

[Gem2000 in reply to Smoq]

Hi after having polyps removed has there been any improvements. I do get flare ups the recent one last week just came on suddenly with awful pain in my tum and vomiting which left me with a tender tummy. A week later and taking Fybogel I’m just starting to feel normal again. I have not had a colonoscopy.

[Smoq in reply to Gem2000]

No improvement - continual pain and running to the loo. If a flare up means it gets worse then I would not be able to manage work or social life.

[Emzies2207]

So today I paid to have the finger prick intolerance test which I saw someone else mention on this site, it’s not cheap but showed up that I have strong intolerances to wheat, red meat, cows milk and bananas... I can’t say how accurate the test is but here’s hoping! I’m also going to start taking a probiotic everyday and hopefully things will start to get better!