IBS and diagnosing it...

I think I may have IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), but I'm afraid to go to the doctor to see for sure.

Does anyone have this? Do you know what types of tests I would have to endure to find out? I've been pushing off going to the doctor because I am afraid of what they'd need to do to test me...

Any thoughts? TIA!

Re: IBS and diagnosing it...

I've got it & acid reflux and it sucks!
For many people it can be psychologically caused, my Dr Dx that in fact mine is caused by a physiological problem.
I am not going to lie the test are a little embarrassing, but they are not that bad. Remember the drs have seen it all!

It can be controlled by diet, exercise, relaxation, and if necessary medication.

Re: IBS and diagnosing it...

I have it, been through all the tests. Unfortunately there is no test for IBS, so they run tests to rule other stuff out. For me, I have had several colonoscopys, an endoscopy, blood tests to check thyroid and other stuff and I eventually had exploratory surgery, but that is very very rare and extreme, I was really sick...but turned out all it was, was IBS that was causing the pain and while doing the exploring they took out my appendix, to which it was determined it was rotten...so for me the surgery was a godsend, but rarely done.

Re: IBS and diagnosing it...

Re: IBS and diagnosing it...

Re: IBS and diagnosing it...

yes, you should go to a dr. so they can rule out anything serious.
By the time you are knocked out and wake up, you don't even feel embarrased anymore. Although apparently I was blabbering for most of it about how much I love my DH.

I think the worst part is the NASTY drink you need to take the day before and clear liquids for 1 day!!!!

What are your symptoms to make you think you have it?

Re: IBS and diagnosing it...

The tests are embarrassing and like Jamie said there is no test for IBS, just tests to rule everything else out. I have been through them all.

Re: IBS and diagnosing it...

I have Crohn's and I have been through every test imaginable. Don't be worried, it will be worse if you wait, go at least for peace of mind and the advice of a doctor. Trust me, the embarassement wears off quickly, they see these things everyday. Honestly, my last colonoscopy was a breeze, he gave me a prep that was so easy and you get the best drugs. I didn't know a thing Good luck!

Re: IBS and diagnosing it...

Re: IBS and diagnosing it...

I have it also, have since I was 15. It has actually gotten better over the last few years. Exercise helps, no soda or carbonation, no fried/fatty foods, no gassy foods (broccoli, cauliflower). I have had colonoscopies, endoscopies, etc. It's embarrassing for about a minute but then you are in "twilight" and don't even know what's going on. I never remember a thing. It's so weird. You are gassy afterwards and there is no other discomfort. I agree with the above poster (sorry, can't remember who) about it being brought on by stress. Very true, but in my case, it's both. There is something wrong with an area of my intestine, almost like a spasm that comes and goes. You could have diarrhea-prominent IBS or constipation-prominent or both. OR you could be really lucky and have both. It is controllable-good luck!!! (hope this helped, sorry so long)

Re: IBS and diagnosing it...

Mrs. Patticake described it all...I forgot about the afterwards discomfort

I have a "tretchorous bowel" that's what causes mine. I have both too. My dr rx fibercon to help regulate me. I eat a ton of fober, but my body does not seem to use it, the fobercon does help.