Gastroenterologist appointment

[NoodlePip]

Hi all, I know you’ll appreciate my relief and if I honest excitement that I’ve finally been referred to see a gastroenterologist, nearly 7 years after being diagnosed and in particular after the last 4 months of really struggling with IBS symptoms. Just wondered if anyone could offer advice in terms of what the appointment may consist of, what sort of questions they’d be asking and if keeping a log of my symptoms would be beneficial for them? Thanks in advance.

[cazzy77]

Hi

glad you are moving forward in your battle!

Keeping a diary of symptoms, food intake and bowel movements will definitely be helpful for them. They will probably ask for some blood tests to be done if you haven't had any recently and depending on your symptoms they might want to look to further investigations like sigmoidoscopy and endoscopy. It would be good for you to list any medications you've already tried in the past and the outcomes and a list of current medications.

Good luck x

[NoodlePip in reply to cazzy77]

Hi Cazzy, thanks for the advice, not thought about medication so will definitely make a list of those! Feeling a little nervous but so pleased it’s moving in the right direction. Still awaiting for the appointment although I read it could take up to 18 weeks. Fingers crossed it’ll be sooner than that though 🤞🏼

[moseypowell]

I have also been referred to a gastroenterologist and have the same thoughts as you. I cannot tolerate an endoscopy unless I am put out. I expect they will do food allergy tests and blood tests. Had a ct scan colonoscopy last week and awaiting results. Sad to hear it could take 18 weeks..........which part of the country are you in?? Good luck 🤞

[NoodlePip in reply to moseypowell]

Oh that’s good you’ve already had some scans, I read on nhs that non-urgent referrals can have a waiting list of up to 18weeks as a general figure however working for the nhs know there’s a strong possibility that could be the case. I live in south Northamptonshire, so normally have the option of Northampton, Oxford or Coventry Hospitals - what about you?

[moseypowell in reply to NoodlePip]

I live in Surrey so could be any number of hospitals. Please let me know how you get on. All the best

[NoodlePip in reply to moseypowell]

Of course, and you too! Hope it all goes okay x

[yogaman in reply to moseypowell]

I do not know what country you are in but now way any test takes 18 weeks to get results. An Endoscopy is nothing special you lie on your side and when the anesthesilogist hits a button or something like that you are awake 15 or 20 minutes later and getting the results from your GI.

People, get a good doctor

[Crossfitter]

Oh my goodness, I was exactly the same last week... after 7 years of symptoms and 4 months of really bad alternating D and C I finally had an appointment with the gastroenterology dept.

The consultant just asked a few more questions than my GP. I showed him my food and symptom diary I'd been keeping since January. He's now booking me in for a colonoscopy and ultrasound, hopefully within the next six weeks.

I got my letter for a follow up appointment with him after the results are back but his earliest available is the end of October!

I hopeAll goes well with your appointment and you feel better soon x

[NoodlePip in reply to Crossfitter]

Hi Crossfitter, I’m in the exact same boat with alternate D and C symptoms, can vary from one day to the next coupled with awful trapped wind and a real discomfort pinching crampy feeling under/around the bottom left of my rib cage.

Pleased you’re getting seen though, but blimey October is a fair wait, will you get the scan results prior to that appointment?

Hope you’re feeling better soon, would be great to keep in touch with your progress x

[Oscar79]

Glad to hear you are seeing a gastroenterologist. Remember that IBS is not a serious disease but it can be painful an a darned nuisance. It rarely develops into anything more serious, but don’t expect a cure - at best you’ll get a reduction in symptoms. The medics don’t know the exact cause. Because the symptoms vary between people it might be 2 or more definitive diseases.

[yogaman]

Very true reply IBS is a catch all phrase like you have a cold or an " upper reparatory infection" same deal however with a cold you are at some point over and done IBS is trial and error and so it goes...