I went to the doctor for an appointment and mentioned my IBS/ functional bowel disorder-diarrea to him. He ordered up a passel of blood tests, including Comprehensive Metabolic Panel; CBC with diff with platelet; helicobacter pylori IgG; Amylase; Lipase Assay, and a urinalysis. Are these ones regularly ordered for a first look into IBS symptoms? Another question I have is which ones would you consider most important/beneficial? I am considering, due to the cost of the tests, only having a few done, and am wondering which ones would be better to have results from/ which ones I could leave off. Just an observation/vent: he told me what I'm sure is the standard response to a pt saying they think they have IBS- be sure you get enough fiber, exercise, etc. Ug. Fiber is my enemy!!! I said diarrea!! Also, he left the exam room for a few minutes after talking to me and before listening to my lungs, etc. I have a strong suspicion that he hurried out to look up what he's supposed to say, look for, and order for tests. He's a general practitioner, so I know not a specialist, but it still sits a bit off with me, even suspecting that that's what he was doing. Anyway, thanks for listening!And TIA for any info/advice on what tests to get/not get!!
What blood tests are normal/best?
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Looks pretty standard. The CBC will show if you have inflamation going on and if the Sedimentation rate for that is elevated that may mean they want to do more tests than usual for IBS.It will also show if you are anemic which is another indication something other than IBS may be going on. the H.p. test is more for upper GI issues than IBS, but I don't know what symptoms you presented with.Fiber does help some people with diarrhea, it can absorb exces water in the stool and firm it up, so it isn't such a strange suggestion.If you are anemic some of the blood tests for Celiac may be worth doing before getting a biopsy.K.
Even Specialists can be very frustrating! Since they don't know what causes IBS and everyone seems to react differently and sometimes opposite to different meds and foods...they tend to throw there arms up in the air. My specialist told me earlier this week to become very maticulus about everything you put in your body and the response it gives.Though I have been thorugh the gambit of tests and they are able to tell me nothing. They did eliminate alot of known diseases and disorders. I would hate for you to skip a test that may give you valuable insight!
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