I was "diagnosed" with IBS a couple of years ago, but not properly, it seems. My GP told me my symptoms indicated IBS, but I was not referred for any scopes or scans. In studying this site the past few days, I see that my symptoms are indicative of IBS in some ways, perhaps not in other ways. When I go back to my doc, what should I push for?
Any specific blood work?
Barium swallow/enema?
Colonoscopy?
CT scan?
Is a referral to a gastroenterologist recommended?
I've had symptoms for about 10 years--sporadic, sometimes a couple times a week (like this week), sometimes not at all for months. Most prevalent symptom is nausea. Often it is accompanied by a hot flash sensation and something that might qualify as diarrhea--this is gross, but it's like soft serve or goose poop. Occasionally an "attack" is preceded by something that might qualify as constipation. Sometimes, like this week, I've had pain/tightening, mostly just beneath my ribs in the middle and to the right (transverse colon/hepatic flexure). When I have described these symptoms to docs in the past, I've come away assured that these aren't symptoms of anything dangerous, that they're "vague." I'm coming up on 50, so I am quite certain I can get a colonoscopy without a fight, but is that enough? Not that I'm eager for a (more solid) diagnosis of IBS, but I don't want to be stuck sitting on some bigger problem because my symptoms aren't very severe.
I'd be grateful for any insight any of you can provide. Thank you.
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What tests for diagnosis?
