I have been having problems for around 5 years now..

Digestive health
1

I started noticing symptoms around 5 years ago, and has been getting worse.

The doctor examined me pressing on my abdomen and decided I had IBS, I am concerned though as I've tried many types of medication and nothing touches it, also the pain is ALWAYS in my upper left abdomen usually close to my belly button, I thought IBS was lower abdomen pain? Also, lately I have had a really bad bout where I found blood in my stools, and I usually tend to have diarrhoea any help would be appreciated...

2

Did your doctor do a colonoscopy too? If not, you should insist on one just to make sure everything is ok. It probably is just the IBS but without a colonoscopy you can't be 100% sure.

3

Thanks for the reply! No I haven't had this done do I just ask my doctor about it? 

4

It depends, did your GP tell you that you had IBS or did a gastroenterologist tell you? If it was your GP I would ask him/her for a referral to a gastro. If you have blood in your stool it could be something minor like hemmoroids or irritation due to the diarreaha but it's best to let the gastro determine that. 

5

Hi Kitty,

I would agree with Sonja, that a colonoscopy is a good idea.  I would suggest that you go back to your doctor and tell him/her how you have been and that you are worried.  Particularly mention the blood in your stools.  He/she may well suggest a colonoscopy, but if not, then I would ask if you could have one as you're worrying about what may be wrong and you would like a definite diagnosis.  Your doctor may also do blood tests to check for anaemia and also coeliac disease.  I don't know how old you are, but if you are over 60, then your doctor should do all these tests anyway.  Let us know how you get on.  Best wishes.

6

Thanks for the reply