Help!

[Littlemisssunshine86]

Hi, I am almost certain I've had ibs since I had my baby in 2012. Its only in the last couple of years I've started to realise that's what it could be. How easy is it to get diagnosed from my dr? Thats if I can get an appointment 😥

[Luisa22]

There's no specific marker for IBS but the doctor might be able to tell by your description of symptoms. Write every detail down before you go so you won't forget stuff. But they should also run tests. It's kind of a diagnosis by elimination.

Maybe the first stage will be stool testing? That's non invasive and a lot can be found from those. You should be asked to do the Calprotectin test, and a FIT test, and possibly Lactoferrin too. If all those come back negative there may be no further need for more invasive tests. It depends. If your symptoms suggest something else like diverticulosis for instance, that might not show any red flags on the Calprotectin test (for inflammation) unless the diverticula had become inflamed. If the doc suspects something like that they might need to take a look inside.

In summer 2020 right in the middle of lockdown ! I got stool testing kits from my health centre after managing to get through to a doctor on the phone. They had them for me to pick up, take home, do the tests, and return the completed kit to go to the lab.

So maybe you might find that just as easy as I did? Or perhaps easier. I guess you could call the surgery and ask if a doctor can phone you back if you find no response in that 30 minute window in the morning to get one of those appointment slots. You could phone them to arrange to talk to your doctor I think, at any time of day. But check that.

[BabsyWabsy in reply to Luisa22]

Recently, I have found it much easier to book a doctor's appointment on line.

[xjrs]

If you are in the UK, there is a standard protocol for diagnosing IBS - see this link:

nhs.uk/conditions/irritable...

[Hidden]

Hi there, my IBS started not long after I'd had my first baby (that was 36 years ago!) it was all a bit stressful so lots of rushed meals, busy with a demanding baby, post natal depression too, so it's no wonder my guts played up. Sometimes it is a stressful situation that triggers it. Good luck with getting an appointment with your doctor, definitely some tests are needed.

[Littlemisssunshine86]

Thank you all for your replies. I'll push for an appointment x