Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Hiya,

Okay, if you'd like my honest opinion, here it is.. If you have faith in your doctors (which a lot of us done, which may be why we keep telling you to question it), then I would take their advice. If I were you, and had seen all the specialists and world renouned suchandsuches then I would take their advice gratefully and put it out of my mind.
When I went to a specialist, they told me that they were sure I had IBS from other tests that I'd had done and from my symptoms (I had journals and such) and how long I have been suffering, without actually getting increasingly worse. They said with that being said, they didn't see why I should have a colonoscopy since it is unpleasant.

Now, since then my symptoms have changed. I will go to see a specialist in June, and if they recommend me getting the test done to rule out IBDs or whatever, then I will. For my own peace of mind. Because it may be that this time, it is not so clear cut.

Like Augie said to you, at the end of the day it is your decision. You need to make a decision that you are comfortable with, and then have faith in your doctors etc and try to calm down.

The main reason I said you should have one is because of how worried you are about it being something else. I think, though, that given the amount of doctors you have seen that they are probably right and it is IBS. Do you think that maybe you are just a bit paranoid and keep thinking the worst, even if you are told there is nothing?

In my opinion, you shouldn't be more worried since finding out that you have IBS - you should be relieved! IBS is not something that is easy to deal with or "anything to shake a stick at" as my grandpa would say, but it is certainly the better of several evils.
The tests that we suggest people get done to rule out anything else are just confirm that IBS is the case and then to move forward accordingly from there. The colonoscopy is the one we suggest, because it is what most GI doctors would say eliminates the possbilities of other problems such as Chrohns disease and Colitis which, if you ask me, it doesn't sound like you have. If there was something else you feel should be investigated, you should discuss it with your doctor but as they did not bring up anything like that before they must have reasons.

If you do indeed have IBS, then there are a number of ways for you to begin trying to control it and get stable. For these, there are loads of other helpful posts and articles. Look into things about the diet, medication, alternative therapies, SFS and see what you can find.

Honestly, we are not trying to discredit anything you've been told already or to freak you out. Usually, that's what gets suggested to people who haven't had the tests. You have had a series of tests, you have been told by a doctor that you have IBS, so maybe you should go from there. As for the paranoia regarding the colonoscopy, the possibility of something like that is so very remote. Speak to your doctor about your concerns, though, if you do end up having to go through any other procedures so they can assure you of their sterilization processes.

It seems like you are dealing with more than just mild anxiety, and I am wondering if you are seeing anyone to do with that. You might find that your physical symptoms are lessened when you deal with any psychological issues you may have.
Good luck.
Cheers,
--Steph

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~~I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell-I know right now you can't tell~~Matchbox 20
IBS-D,pain.

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