[18609]

For a while now I have suffered IBS-like symptoms, of varying degrees of inensity, but things have worsened recently. A week ago I took two does of Immodium to prevent myself from getting diarrhea through nerves on an important day.This made me constipated and to relieve this I took Milk of Magnesia which then gave me diarrhea again.I then continued to eat a normal diet and have done for a week now but I am experiencing problems with cramps,bloating and alternating diarrhea with constipation and mucus. Does anyone have any thoughts on what I can do?

 

[SophieUK]

Hi Matthew - welcome to the site!First thing to ask is what has your doctor said, have you had any tests etc - is he confident that it's IBS?

 

[17890]

you could have very well just upset and/or threw off your system again. What you are describing sounds like IBS but has it been diagnosed yet? Also you said you've suffered IBS-like symptoms for a while, were they the same feelings as now? If not what has gotten worse, talk to your doctor about that.-Miranda

 

[18609]

Hi guys,I do not have a diagnosis of IBS. The best I have had is a GP giving me "mights". The reason I'm on this site is to see if any remedies IBS sufferers use might help me. Infact, I have not seen any specialists.At the moment all I have to go on is a few 10 minute appointments and a lot of speculation (in different directions) by various GPs and nurses. Do you think I am within my rights to demand a professional appointment and tests?Although I have always had similar problems they have been much worse and more unpredictable in the last week since the Immodium incident. And to think there are people who have this sort of problem every day of their lives rather than sporadically, my heart goes out to them.

 

[eric]

matthew.raineYes, ask to see a specialist. Have they done blood and stool work, that should be done for sure.I also suggest taking these questions with you to the doctor.Questions to Ask Your Doctorhttp://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art...rticlekey=13683and you might also want to read thisDiagnosing IBShttp://ibsgroup.org/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f...261/m/316101372

 

[eric]

This is some more good info for you.THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY Gastroenterology and HepatologyIBS Informationhttp://hopkins-gi.nts.jhu.edu/pages/latin/...se=43&lang_id=1

 

[18609]

Eric,Thanks for the links. I have noted them down and I'll give them a good read tommorow morning. Also I will make an appointment with my GP to request closer examination.I'll let you know if you're interested in the outcome.P.S. - you seem to know your IBS onions, have you done a lot of research into the subject?

 

[21857]

Welcome Matthew!

You definately are within your rights to see a specialist!! Im not to sure what the health care system is like where you are, but everyone deserves the right to a more qualified opinion and to get tests done!You wont know exactly what is wrong with you or find out ways to become healthier if you dont have the general tests done (colonscopy, endoscopy, bowel biopsy, barium xrays) Oh course it isnt pleasant to be poked and proded, but it will give you peace of mind at the end of it all that you know nothing more serious is going on!Good luck and I look forward to seeing your posts up here!

 

[18609]

Hi,I have an appointment with a GP this morning. She has dismissed this as anxiety problems - and I am inclined to agree with her except things have been at their worst this week in abscence of any stressful events (in fact I'm on holiday).I feel convincing her to refer me to a specialist is going to be a struggle, but I won't take no for an answer.I'll let you know how I get on.

 

[21857]

Matt, you shouldn't have to struggle to convice her! It is her duty as your doctor to give you the best medical help, and obviously that is someone who specialises in this area.If she doesnt give you the referal then go to another doctor. GP's dont understand IBS and they tend to palm it off saying it is something else or that there is nothing you can do about it... but that is untrue, there are lots of things that you can do to improve your health, you dont have to go on this way!Good luck at the doc and let us know how you go...

 

[18609]

Hi Zoe,I went and saw the GP. She was reluctant to give me any sort of tests but I persevered and I have been given three test tubes and have to return them today (full obviously), and also I have an antibody blood test or something at 11.30.If nothing is found she says I can then proceed too more intrusive tests - although she did warn me it won't be pleasant.

 

[21857]

Hmmm maybe...But its going to go straight to the doctor so they can check it out. This doctor of yours seems a little harsh Matt, maybe its time to get a new one?Good luck this arvo!

 

[18609]

Hey guys (and girls).I got my tests back from the lab today, and the results were "normal, no action needed". So it would appear I don't have any immediate physical abnormalities!You're all in similar boats, probably had a test or two. What do you think my next course of action should be??