do I need to see a GI doctor? *DELETED*
#46288 - 02/24/04 12:51 AM
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Post deleted by rick401
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Hi Chris,
I'm sorry you are not doing so well with getting your IBS under control. I'm IBS-D with GERD and I just went to a GI specialist recently and had all of the tests redone (I last went 10 years ago) because my IBS and GERD were getting so bad I could hardly eat anything and I was bleeding so I was afraid something else had happened.
My diagnosis was the same - nothing worse thank G. So I went home feeling miserable and made up my mind that I would again start from scratch giving up things I knew were triggers and adding others in slowly to see what I could tolerate, keeping a food journal, taking fiber supplements and probiotics. Truthfully, there are some days where no matter what I eat I get D so bad I wonder what happened and other days I feel really good.
The specialist said to come back after 1 month and report how I'm doing. He only gave me medication for the GERD but nothing for the IBS. I don't really think that my seeing a specialist helped or hurt - I'm still trying to go day by day and not have to run to the loo. So what I'm really trying to say is to take it a day at a time, be patient and your tummy will settle down. There will be some days where you feel under the weather, but look on the bright side to all the days you will again feel great.
I must add that alot of inspriation came from all the good people who write in on this board with all of their helpful tips on food, supplements and everything else.
Barbara.
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Chris,
You should definitely see a GI specialist. You should have a colonoscopy, I would think. Have you had celiac tests? (Not that your GP can't order those, though...) Maybe everyone can brainstorm some other tests that your GP would need to recommend, so you can use that as your way to get to the GI doc. 
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Chris,
A 5 year old in my kindergarten class had a colonoscopy!!!!!! No joke! Thank G-d, he's ok......but he may have had Crohns! It's rare at that age, I think, but not impossible (your 20's is DEF a time to be checked!). You should also, like jts said, be tested for celiac with an upper endoscopy as well as having a full bowel series and upper GI. These are all tests that make sure nothing damaging is happening! Hopefully, after all the tests, they tell you nothing is wrong, and you have IBS like all the rest of us!
If you have any more questions or need more advice...please post! We're rooting for you! 
-<3-
Ruchie
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Formerly known as Ruchie
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Hi Chris - My heart just goes out to you. I'm so sorry you're struggling like this and not really getting anywhere. 
Check the glossary here Irritable Bowel Syndrome for every disorder that can mimic IBS, what red flag symptoms are, and what tests you should/might need. This should help you decide if your docs have overlooked something, and if you should push for a colonoscopy or other tests.
Best,
Heather
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Heather is the Administrator of the IBS Message Boards. She is the author of Eating for IBS and The First Year: IBS, and the CEO of Heather's Tummy Care. Join her IBS Newsletter. Meet Heather on Facebook!
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