I've had IBS for 9 yrs. Not once have I seen a GI doctor. Is this normal?. Should I be seeing one?. Thanks for any info..
Yes get a refferal from your GP.
Only see a GI if your symptoms have changed or got worse. I have had IBS for just over a year and it is largely under control so I don't see anyone.
Thank you both for your advice. Over the last 9 yrs my GP's have never sent me to a GI dr. Not even for a consult. They have always tried to manage it themselves. I am going to request a referral for GI consult.
melmen5,
Well they say your supposed to have all kinds of doctors but I think you just should have a family doctor unless you are a female then you need a Gynecologist, and if your a child of course you need a pediatrician. Other than that the obvious like Dentist etc... You get the gest of it right. I think when you are having problems according to what the problem is your family doctor should put you on the right track with the kind of doctor you need to see. Do you have checkup's for your IBS from time to time and what I mean is like a colonoscopy etc. The only time I see a GI doctor is usually when I am having problems and my family doctor send me to one and they decide with whats gong on what to do. Are you having problems that you would think you need GI doctor for ? Also some people want a specialist to take care of them when they have certain problems, I guess it's all according to the person and what your preferences are..