Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

I can definitly relate to not wanting to get the medical tests done. I've had a sigmoidoscopy, barium enima, flouroscopy with a bowel series, and lots and lots of blood tests. When I went in to my GI Specialist a couple weeks ago, I was determined to tell her no more tests. Well, she raised a very good point that she couldn't prescribe me any medication that might help me unless she is thoroughly convinced that I do not have any other disease that might be worse than IBS. The medication she might prescribe me might make it worse if it's not just IBS. So the end result was that I walked out with an appointment next month for an upper endoscopy and a colonoscopy. Although I'm very nervous about having to get an IV in me, I know that these are my last two tests and then the GI Specialist and I can work on seeing what works and what doesn't with my IBS.

Getting blood tests done is also a horrific experience for me too. I have a phobia of needles (we can't figure out why) and am very lucky that I have such a wonderful mother that goes with me everytime to get my blood taken. Everytime I need one, I can't eat for the entire day (have been known to be so upset that I throw up) and have to lie down as I faint everytime I'm upright. Even when I'm lying down, I end up sobbing uncontrolably for a good 20 minutes before, during, and after just because of all the built up stress/tension - not to mention my IBS flaring up.

Although it is ultimately you and your daughter's decision, I would really recommend getting the testing done to rule out any really serious problems that she may have. It will put your and your daughter's mind to rest knowing that it's only IBS. I'm very thankful now that my mom has made me go through all these tests, even when I've protested and made excuses why not to do them.

Also explain to your doctor about your daughter's fear of bloodtests and sedatives. He/she may be able to come up with a different alternative or be able to run all the tests on one vile of blood maybe.

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- Jennifer

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