What were you symptoms of IBS?

[zmr_3]

So lately I’ve been having on and off diarrhea along with loose stools. When I do have a solid stool it seems to be narrow - not pencil thin just smaller than usual. I’m terrified that it is colon cancer. Just wonder what others symptoms were. It seems that some foods can trigger diarrhea/loose stools immediately after eating. I have a colonoscopy scheduled in a couple weeks but not even sure if IBS can be diagnosed through a colonoscopy.

[FRreedman]

IBS is a diagnosis given to a set or series of symptoms which cannot be diagnosed as anything else, so, in that respect, the diagnosis of IBS is only given once everything else has been ruled out. I believe you have already asked this question of a very similar one earlier, and I still say wait for the colonoscopy, which will, hopefully rule out cancer, and you can then concentrate on getting yourself better. Good luck.

[zmr_3 in reply to FRreedman]

Yeah I’ve heard of that too just wasn’t sure if there was a test to formally diagnose IBS. But you’re right just gonna wait for the colonoscopy. Nervous about it!

[FRreedman in reply to zmr_3]

There is no need to be nervous about the colonoscopy, just ask for sedation and whatever pain relief they offer. After the procedure, you may be a little sore, and either constipated or have diarrhoea for a few days. Good luck.

[zmr_3 in reply to FRreedman]

Thank you ☺️

[jbrking]

Have a look at bad-uk.org website. I was told for years I had IBS or what I was eating. Tried different diets etc. Finally saw a gastro consultant who diagnosed bile acid malabsorption sometimes called bile salt or bile acid diarrhoea. Formal diagnosis via a sehcat scan. Basically when you eat you release bile to digest. The bile that doesn’t get used gets reabsorbed back through the body and reused. With bam/bad it doesn’t so causes diarrhoea. I now take binder medication. It’s very often misdiagnosed as IBS and very few GPs understand it so you really need a referral. I also had a colonoscopy to check nothing else was happening and that was al clear. I didn’t have gas and air or sedation but plenty of people do. I found it ok. The prep isn’t nice, but mix it with orange squash. Anyway I now eat little and often which seems to stop too much bile being released. Certain foods trigger it like dairy, anything fatty (even good fats like fish) and caffeine. He malabsorption has also left me deficient in vitamins B12, D, iron and potassium so I take supplements for these. Try keeping a diary of what you eat and your symptoms. That way you can show them what you’re eating etc. Mine got so bad I was spending hours on the toilet in the middle of the night and sometimes being sick. You really need a gastro consultant. Good luck x

[IBSNetwork Partner IBS Network]

Hi there,

We have more information on IBS symptoms here. theibsnetwork.org/have-i-go...

However, it's important to get a diagnosis from your GP. We are here to help and support people living with IBS.

[Linley]

A colonoscopy can tell the Gastro what is going on in your gut if anything. If this is your 1st, one important thing to do is to follow the prep instructions to a T as the clearer the bowel is the better. Good Luck