Gastroenterologist

[Lookingforhelp05]

has anyone with IBS seen a gastroenterologist and had good results? I plan on scheduling an appointment soon with him and hopefully it’ll be the start of a healthy recovery back to my old life without IBS.

[XDjames]

My take is that they will put things up you and down you, will sample you and scan you and they may say 'nothing to see here, move along'. Which would actually be good news. Or you may (also) get lucky and find someone with a specialty within a specialty within a specialty who has some actual good ideas and can spare the time. Mine were OK but they can't help me any more. Even my GP -who has been trying to help but is out of options reckons it's not worth another round with GE team. I reckon your (and my!) best hope is the tips and support in this community.

[xjrs]

I had a good one who actually listened to me. However, you can only see gastros in your area (unless private) and I was living in the East of England at the time.

[lowraind]

Absolutely depends on the gastroenterologist, if you get positive support or not. When the one assigned to my husband was extremely complacent, I insisted on talking to an experienced gastro, who worked with us until we found cholestyramine, which has helped a lot.

[bburzycki]

Most are looking for the things that will kill you. When those are ruled out for things like IBS or other more chronic issues I have found it best to move on to other dr's. Some now are getting better at incorporating more functional medicine ideas, larger picture approach etc. But I honestly do not think traditional medicine GI Dr's have time per patient to really dig into much of anything unless it is something that can be seen on tests and might be able to be removed.

I am very sensitive to meds and most just want to try med after med when it might be change in diet or exercise or stress levels that helps.

Gut issues are very complicated - I know I have not as of yet fixed mine and its been 20 + years.

[MountainHare1]

I think it would be worthing seeing a gastroenterologist as it will help you understand more about the IBS condition. However, I am sorry to be the barer of bad news but you will have IBS for life. Having said that, you are very young and perhaps within your life time, a cure may be found!

If you do experience IBS flare ups, it is isn't just about what you eat that can affect the IBS, stress and anxiety can also affect the flare ups too. Fortunately there are lots of things that you can do to minimise your flare ups so that you can go experience some of your old life.

Good luck.

[Frasina]

Gut-brain relationship is very real and I suspect that due to your age you have various stresses going on in your life. It may well be that if any stresses resolve then your gut will not be playing up so much! However, you can see a gastroenterologist (should you wish to) and they will be able to recommend a treatment plan although IBS does have times of being worse than others. NHS waiting times are very long and your GP may feel you do not need to be referred. If you pay you can choose to see who you like but make sure they work on the NHS too unless your family have private medical insurance in which case of course see someone.

[Tillytrots]

Hi I suffer with IBS C plus chronic idiopathic constipation four times I was rushed to hospital with vomiting really bad it just whould not stop the last time I saw a few gastroentaroligist Dr, S the last time I was admitted they put me on a capsule Called Linaclotide since I have on it it such a releaf my gastroligist phone me up a few weeks later to see if I was OK on them I told her wish I could had them years back as I suffered so long I tell you its so much sweet relief I thank the Gastro who found something for me. I hope you get some help soon it's not a nice thing to suffer with good luck regards Tillytrots x