Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Welcome and sad news!

Hello, hello, hello and welcome.

I haven't had any of the invasive tests (should I insist on this). I'm 30 and have had IBS C&D from about 17 and IBS loooong before that!! I've had a load of blood tests - allergies, celiac, so on and a stool test which showed up nothing at all. My doctor was so convinced I have IBS he diagnosed this before these tests, but went ahead just to check. He's convinced it's IBS and says it's not worth the discomfort of any more tests based on my symptoms (I assume he thinks this as my D just relates to anticipatory anxiety and immediately follows C, rather than being horrifically bad all the time, no acid reflux, no blood passed or anything else to indicate a more serious condition, and any severe pain is only occasional with more continuous mild discomfort).

My doctor told me that soluble fibre and stress relief are the key to managing IBS. Good advice!!

On a much more sad note, I had a friend who was recently referred to a GI consultant for bowel problems (which were related to a period of severe stress and have now completely resolved). At that time, she mentioned IBS and he said that 'I don't believe in IBS - some people just have more active or more sensitive guts than others'. WHAT KIND OF AN ATTITUDE IS THAT??? What he was saying is basically correct in that IBS is an EXTREMELY sensitive gut, but surely that is a condition which should and could be managed, with the right care and advice?! It seems that some doctors still live in the dark ages where they are only interested in organic diseases which cause physical damage or are life-threatening. Imagine telling a woman in total agony that there's no such thing as period pain, some people are just more sensitive than others; or there's no such thing as sensitive skin, so it doesn't matter what you slap on yours!! What a disgrace...

OK, rant over
Welcome to the boards, I'm sure you'll find lots of help and support.
Shellsbells

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