how did you get diagnosed my doctor just said you have ibs, no tests, nothing should I ask for your tests.
my symptoms are worse when I eat I get a pain in my left side and my tummy is so uncomfortable with wind it’s helps when I go to the toilet. Does anyone else have the same symptoms
How long have you had your symptoms? I've had issues for years, 20 + years ( am now 44 ) I've found as I've got older it's just got gradually worse, I wonder if I'm possibly going through the perimenopause which could be an issue. I have symptoms similar to yours now, but I get mild pain which seems to move around, sometimes the left side, sometimes the right, lower back and tummy ache. I'm surprised the doctor didn't give you any tests. I went a couple of months ago and had a blood test and fit test which both came back ok other than me having very low iron. The iron tablets are making all my symptoms even worse than ever. Maybe book another appointment and see a different doctor.
I have it a few years I’m 46 now no had no tests. Just got told it’s ibs. I’m worried it could be some else I am going to make a doctors appointment
The doctor cannot make an IBS diagnosis without testing. In fact, it would be negligent of them to do so.
The tests that you need and the doctor should be doing as standard are in the second box down on the diagram on this page:
ibsresearcher.com/diagnosis...
easier said than done
I know trying to get an appointment is a joke especially with a doctor
Thanks for this very helpful I going to insist for some tests to rule anything else out
Basically it's IBS once all tests have been carried out to rule other things out like Inflammatory Bowel disease, Infection, or virus and even potentially cancer. The first initial test should be a stool test to check for blood, Inflammatory markers (Fecal Calprotectin) and any bugs too. If any are positive they may repeat this test and if still positive then forward for Colonoscopy CT or MRI scan and referred to a Gastroenterologist. Sounds like you've been instantly gas lighted!!!
Yeah it does! If feels like doctors want to just get rid of you as quickly as possible. Going to go back and insist on more tests thank you
Yes I have similar symptoms. I had all the scans etc all ok. The doc then said it's probably IBS..... I find keeping off certain fruits and not much bread made with wheat, occasionally Buscopan and keeping bowels moving helps, not a cure though for me, still get very uncomfortable flare ups.
Thank you sounds like they have just diagnosed me without doing anything I’m going to go back and insist I have more tests
I certainly would. Best wishes
Only a gastroenterologist can diagnose you with IBS - your GP's role is to refer you to the hospital. If you have to, request another doctor and be firm. I was diagnosed about 25 years ago, so the tests maybe different, but I had blood tests, ultrasound scans, gastroscopy (to test stomach lining), barium swallow, lower sigmoidoscopy (to scan sigmoid colon) and it was only after these that I was diagnosed.
Make sure that your gallbladder is checked as well, mine wasn't and I ended up needing it removed because of gallstones and infection. Also ask for an abdominal ultrasound as the pain I was experiencing was due to chronically inflamed fallopian tubes.
I'd recommend keeping a diary of everything you eat and drink, this can help you find out if you have any food triggers (write EVERYTHING down as I forgot about sugar free chewing gum and that was a huge trigger for me!). I also found hypnotherapy really helpful after I was diagnosed with IBS, can't recommend it enough.
So be firm with your surgery and I hope things get sorted out soon.
Thanks for the information I’m going to go out and insist on more tests
how’d hypnotherapy help?
I can’t say as I’ve never had it
I agree with all of the preceding responses. IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion. I had similar pain under my left ribs area for several months and soft stools. My Dr ordered a CT scan which found slight inflammation in small intestine......went to my gastro doctor and had a colonoscopy and endoscopy both of which were normal with biopsies too. So the conclusion after the testing was as IBS. I kept a food journal to determine my triggers and still have off days but I'm progressing. I also lost 30 pounds throughout not knowing what to eat. So, get all the tests done and definitely see a gastro doctor.
Thank you I will do I’ve lost about 3 stone too not wanting to eat as in pain
I understand completely. But you have to get those basic tests done to rule out anything else....which is a good thing. Go to a gastroenterologist my friend
Thank you
Need some testing and trials of exclusions or they are just doing what IBS has grown to be - making an excuse when they do not know. Then grouping us all into IBS as the excuse.
Definitely agree I’m going to go back to the doctors and demand some tests
Or find a better / different - or Dr that is more oriented to IBS and looking at the larger picture. Many IBS items are not just in the gut, in the head and in the entire rest of the body are things to look at for sure. Much of mine is stress, cannot fix stress with diet etc.
Yeah never thought about that I have been stressed the last few months
Stress - Lack of working out and physical activity - Diet - All of these are potential factors that need to be looked at as part of the diagnosis. Almost 30 years of gut issues for me. Lets add age like others have started here also - It has got worse for me the older i am, I think mainly due to as you age stress is much harder to deal with.
IBS symptoms? 
unusual IBS symptoms 
IBS without bowel symptoms?!
IBS Symptoms 
