Hi everyone,
I'm sure you've all answered this question a bunch of times, but I searched the boards and couldn't find it exactly. So, sorry to be repetitive!
I have been to two doctors about my bowel trouble, and both of them have immediately diagnosed me with IBS, the first performing no tests at all, and giving no dietary recommendations except "lots of fiber." The second doc requested a number of blood and stool samples and ran a bunch of tests, which were all fine, so he also said IBS (again, no recommendations on how to deal with it). However, on discovering this site and board, I've slowly begun to realize that there are a whole bunch of things I haven't been tested for, so I've finally made an appointment with my university health service to get a firmer diagnosis.
My problem is, I'm afraid they won't take me seriously and won't run the tests I need---and I myself am not really sure which ones I need!
This is Heather's list of things to rule out:
Colon and carcinoid cancer
Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis)
Bowel obstructions
Diverticulosis / Diverticulitis
Gallstones
Food allergies
Celiac (a genetic, autoimmune disorder resulting in gluten intolerance)
Bacterial infections
Intestinal parasites
Endometriosis
Ovarian cancer
As a 21-year-old woman, do I need all of those? I feel like they'll laugh at me if I hand them this list. Colon cancer? Ovarian cancer?
I know most of you have been through this--did you all get all the recommended tests? How did your doctor react? Please advise--my appointment is on Thursday.
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how to get a doctor to take you seriously?
