IBS disproved: GP kept saying I had IBS and I... - IBS Network

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IBS disproved

Kezz63 profile image
11 Replies

GP kept saying I had IBS and I kept disagreeing.

A thyroid test came back borderline for low thyroid and one GP said we can try you on thyroxine and see if that works.

Started on lowest dose and increased to next level. Toilet habits became normal and I have had no more bloating. I have no more symptoms of any gut problems and obviously didn't have IBS

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Kezz63 profile image
Kezz63
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11 Replies
Luisa22 profile image
Luisa22

I am glad you are feeling better since your thyroid medication. It does go to show that what is sometimes put in the "IBS" category CAN be something else going on, and might not even be basically a gut problem. It's always worth investigation.

I got my thyroid tested too even though I didn't have any thyroid symptoms. But when my bowel habits changed 3+ years ago, I had to have that tested. Mine came back OK and normal though which just added to the mystery of why I have IBS D.

Low thyroid can cause constipation and too high thyroid can cause diarrhea. I was feeling too restless generally and weird and shaky too, so I suspected high thyroid hormones, but the doctor said mine was normal.

Misspomfrey profile image
Misspomfrey

I queried this as I thought my problems with bowels might be thyroid my test was normal and always is when I have had bloods done.

angelwings52 profile image
angelwings52 in reply to Misspomfrey

I'd ask your doctor to tell you the exact results - my initial blood tests were classified as normal but were very close to the minimum lowest levels. Fortunately my GP was very thorough and after the third test referred me to an Endocrinologist where I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. The Endocrinologist explained that in other parts of Europe the lowest levels of "normal" thyroid function blood tests are regarded as hypothyroidism, but not here in the UK.

Misspomfrey profile image
Misspomfrey in reply to angelwings52

I did, and I got a print out of them for myself. Mine are slap bang in the middle and the doctor said if they were her results, she'd be very happy. I'm glad you've got your sorted out and hopefully you won't have any more problems.

Dollymae06 profile image
Dollymae06 in reply to angelwings52

I have Underactive Thyroid but still get IBS wish Levothyroxine helped with loose stools.

Ceasersalad profile image
Ceasersalad

Hi, I'm glad you don't have IBS!Doctors can really get it wrong!

xjrs profile image
xjrs

Well done for persisting and getting to the bottom of it!

KB08 profile image
KB08

Hi. I too have been put on a low dose of levothyroxine because my test keeps coming back borderline underactive and I have such a vast amount of symptoms. I was diagnosed with ibs originally amd been told fibromyalgia and endometriosis too. Can I ask how long was you on levothyroxine before you noticed a difference? And did you have any other symptoms?

Kezz63 profile image
Kezz63 in reply to KB08

Hi was on levothyroxine approx 4 - 6 months before I started to notice the changes.

Kezz63 profile image
Kezz63

Hi, thanks to everyone who responded to my comment about thyroid issue and it not being IBS.

Kooks profile image
Kooks

I have been struggling with IBS these past few months and I have an underactive thyroid....my GP checked my levels via blood test just incase but my IBS isn't due to my thyroid or celiac etc. That's so good your GP is on the ball like that. Take care x

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