[shyra22f]

Maybe I'm in denial about my IBS but I'm considering going to see another GI. The first one I saw was so rude to me and didn't help me in the least. Another one of those, 'you have IBS, live with it'.

Useless! I understand that everybody is different, but this guy didn't offer me ANY advice or help as to what I need to avoid or what would help me. Anyways, I've been seeing a new MD and I told her that I really disliked the first GI doc that I saw and she said that she could refer me to someone else.Lately I've been having a lot of nausea and these strange pains on my left side right under my rib cage. What's there that causes this? I know I'm doomed for D when I start getting rummbling and gurgling in that paticular spot. Before when I got D I'd have abdominal pains and strange noises coming from my stomach and a little lower. But now I only get that on my left side where I mentioned.About 4 or 5 years ago I had an ultra sound, and then about 3 years ago I had the barium enema and barium swallow. After that I was diagnosed with IBS. Are there any other tests I should have done or are those sufficient?I appreciate your responses!

 

[JohnR]

Hi Shyra-It would be wise to go & get a food allergy test given of course by an allergy specialist unless you've already done so. This seems to be one of three culprits with this condition. The other two could be stress & heridiatary factors. As far as any other tests, you've probably run the gammett but I'm certainly no expert diagnostician. Nice to meet you I hope you feel better.

 

[shyra22f]

Hi John, Thanks for the quick response. I DID go for allergy testing but it had nothing to do with my IBS. This was in the days before IBS, well the beginning of IBS, when the doctor told me my problem was acid build up and he prescribed me a drug called 'ranitidine' which is more or less like Zantac. I had a severe allergic reaction and had to go to the hospital and since no one was clear on what I was reacting to I was sent for the tests shortly after. I was certain it was the medication because there was nothing I had ate that day out of the ordinary. So everything on the allergy test came back negative. As far as I know I was tested for all kinds of things like pollens, animals, food, etc. But thanks for your suggestion. I'll get in touch with the allergist (sp) that I went to and find out exactly what kind of foods I was tested for.

 

[JohnR]

Your welcome Shyra22f. As I've advised others on this matter, it's crucial to also get in touch with a certified nutritionist counselor. It seems all these M.D.'s want to do is dispense placebo like Rx's that in the long run turn you into a zombie and create an addiction. I've had tremendous success with handling this problem holistically.

 

[Jackie]

Have you been tested for an infection? Gastroenterologists aren't interested in bowel infections - they're mainly interested in functional diseases which is why lots of us get lumbered with the IBS label.Personally, having been there and done that, I wouldn't consult a nutritionist, not saying that it wouldn't help (a low carb diet has done wonders for me but most diets provide only symptomatic relief - as valuable as that is it's good to know what going on inside of you as well. Which is why I would suggest having my 'poo checked very carefully by someone who knows what they're looking for!Jackie

 

[Jackie]

Shyra,Something else - don't believe it's you who are in denial - they get you to think that way and it can drive you crazy! You need answers to your very real major health problems. I know it's easier said than done when you're being interviewed by some arrogant gastro. who thinks he/she knows all the answers, but remember we've all been there and done that - all of us who have chronic ill health and won't accept their glib answers can't ALL be wrong!Jackie

 

[Jackie]

Me again! At the risk of wearing out my welcome here : { - next time you in the surgery remember that 10 years ago they put ulcers down to stress until someone found out about the little bug that causes them (H.pylori).Jackie

 

[Guest]

Hi! I have had the exact same pains right under my rib cage on the left side. My doctor (who diagnosed me w/IBS) expalined to me that it is trapped gas. I especially get it when I am C, and then it'll go away once I'm "empty." Hope you're feeling better soon!

 

[shyra22f]

Hi Jackie,Of course you're not wearing out your welcome! I appreciate your responses

And thank you for your comment about the denial thing. I'm just getting so frustrated with this whole thing and I'm kind of wishing that they can find something specific that is wrong with me and just fix it. I'm just not sure if the tests I've had done are enough or not. I watch my bf and my friends eat all kinds of things and I always think to myself how nice that would be. My bf told me the other day that he actually feels guilty eating in front of me!!!

Poor guy. I guess I just want to be 'normal' again. I'd be more than willing to accept another diagnosis of IBS, but I just feel that that the GI was so quick about the whole thing.

 

[Krissy]

Hi Shyra,yes i can relate to you,especially the Zantac thing,i was fed tons of antacids for about a year,then one day my husband went and told my gastro,look its not working,and thats when i went through a slew of tests,to the point where the gastro said"Krissy" there is only 2 tests you haven't had,and i know you don't need them" he was reffering to the colon and BE.I did have a sig,he said he seen nothing.BUT to ease your mind do push for a few more tests to be safe as well,good luck,Krissy

 

[RitaLucy]

Good point murphee. I have a friend who is a surgeon...says he has operated on a lot people who were diagnosed as "stress" causing their problems. A lot of times when there is no clear cut answer it must be stress!I am not sure if there is an agreed upon set of tests before a GI will diagnose IBS. I know for myself my GI did a lot tests. Maybe it is based on your complaints and symptoms what they suggest as far as testing.