I have IBS, I won't bite

[snow7]

It's quite warm and not easy to fall asleep today, so I thought I might share a small story of what happened on Fri afternoon.

I called a nurse line to discuss early pregnancy concerns.

A midwife picked up, and we went through the details. When asked if I had loose stool, I told her that I have IBS and that I have the urge to go to the toilet, yes- often. Of course, I mentioned that this is not new and that I had the same issue before the pregnancy.

I only shared this because I was worried if having IBS had affected the current situation. I had been advised by three different clinicians that the pregnancy was not developing well and that I might be going through a miscarriage. My next scan was scheduled for next week (2 wks) for them to review and conclude.

Her response was simply hurtful and hard to believe.

Firstly, she said she will move my awaited scan back on the calendar and stated this was 'to protect other people' from me, as if I were carrying a disease. I politely asked for an explanation as I did not understand her reasoning.

She then said her action was based on the possibility that it might be contagious, that we never know if I'm carrying a virus that could 'infect' other people.

There were no comments about the main concern—miscarriage and unhealthy pregnancy— but instead, she highlighted that the clinic would need a 'Deep clean' after my visit, hence she was pushing my appointment to the back.

I lost my words and couldn't say anything back. I have never felt so small and embarrassed.

Who am I to comment back to the midwife saying she needed to protect other people from me having IBS? I'm not a health professional

I don't think I will be able to get this off my mind easily. Not only did I feel embarrassed and guilty about myself, but I was also upset being treated as if I had a disease.

(I spoke to NHS separate helpline after this, IBS is not contagious!)

[Prance]

That's awful. There are a number of things you can do. Speak to your GP for help. Contact local PALS, they can act on your behalf (GP service should have their details or look online). Make a formal complaint to the clinic/hospital where you're having the scan.

[Andann]

I take it the nurse thought you had diarrhea which may not necessarily be caused by IBS, she may not have been listening properly. Sorry you are having extra stress ...

[Sparrow58 in reply to Andann]

With all the IT problems ( Microsoft) maybe the nurse was a bit stressed. I would contact them and explain that the midwife must of misheard and about your worry regarding your pregnancy.

[Jackie1612]

It’s the nurse, not you. Sounds as if she wasn’t listening properly, didn’t understand IBS and just has a ‘tick box’ procedure to go through for ‘loose stool’. How upsetting and frustrating for you.

If you need a scan urgently I would complain as mentioned above and see if it can be re- arranged

[edwangy]

Just ignore it. The nurse was obviously incompetent, it's her prblem not yours. Enjoy your pregnancy

[tomc]

IRRESPONSIBLE and poory not knowledgeable nurse IBS is not transmitacle nor infectious to anyone but the sufferer.

Sometimes knowledge is limited but, Health providers / advisors should say NOWT if they do not not Know the information OR treatment of a patient.

I know, they have a difficult job BUT that is why if they do not understand a patients complaint they should ask the advice of a GP or shut up!!

[Linley]

Ditto what Prance said🤐

[Lupin1587]

Exactly what prance said. So sorry this happened to you. Many years ago when I had a baby the district nurse came out to check my stitches as I had an episeotomy (think that's the right spelling) they were mostly nice ladies but one came and told me I had a lot of scar tissue 'down there'! Leaving me feeling quite traumatised. The next day a lovely nurse called and told me it was all beautiful and healing well. So I would say not every nurse is friendly or helpful. Some obviously have issues.Take care

[merve1]

You've had good advice already, but I just wanted to say how awful this must have been - shocking and absolutely unacceptable: please follow through your complaint for the benefit of others less resilient than you clearly are. Finally, my sympathy and so sorry you went through this.