May have IBS but haven’t been diagnosed

Digestive health
1

Hi everyone I really need some advice,went to my hospital appointment this afternoon,to speak to a surgeon about my umbilical hernia,she told me that the symptoms I’m having she doesn’t think it’s my hernia causing them,she thinks it might be IBS,my symptoms are sharp pains on and off on the lower part of my stomach,my stomach feels bloated most of the time,even when I’m not in pain,I feel uncomfortable all the time 

2

Jenny

Has the Hospital advised you on any treatment for IBS  or do they wish you to attend your GP Surgery.

If in doubt I would make an appointment and get it confirmed. I  get problems like that and they are caused by my medications

BOB

3

Hi bob and thanks for your help,all the hospital said was that they think I might have IBS,and to go back to my gp,which I have,rung yesterday,but my appointment isn’t till 22nd December,as there’s no other appointments available 

4

Jenny

All I can suggest is leave that appointment up and you could try and get an earlier appointment if there are any cancellations. I did the same and now I see my GP on Monday. Some surgeries have an internet page where you can book appointments, keep checking the page you may be lucky.

BOB

5

Could be IBS. Check with your GP.

6

First, see a gastroenterologist that specializes in IBS. I have had IBS for years.  It's manageable.  Food trigger that symptom you are talking about specifically if I eat too many tomatoes. I get a numbing sharp pain along my waist area.  I also cannot eat a lot of food at a sitting.  I fill up very fast and get bloated fast.  So, don't eat volume at once......space it out and you will find a difference. I always curse myself when I go out to eat with friends and have a salad because then I can't eat the meal, I am too full and bloated from the salad.  My advice to you is to really find an IBS specialist and start from there.  IT's a very uncomfortable, controlling condition and it's different for everyone as far as triggers.  I am also lactose intolerant, always was but could have small amounts of milk and ice cream. As I get older, I find this harder to deal with so I buy lactade for cooking and baking where mild is called for.  Watch what you eat.........

 

7

Thanks for your help pippa 

8

Thanks for your help Anna 

9

Thanks again for your help bob

10

I’ve got an appointment tomorrow morning at 10:40 with my gp,just thought it was when I had my ct scan back in the summer this year,that I found out I had a umbilical hernia,surely if I did have IBS,it would have shown up in the scan,and I would have been told about it 

11

Unfortunately, IBS is a functional disorder of the bowel which does not affect its structure.  So it will not show up on any scan you have. The only way it can be detected is by having a diagnosis based on your symptoms alone or by having tests to rule out other conditions.  If all tests are negative, IBS can be diagnosed.  Ask your GP about IBS and ask to be referred for other tests.  I had a urine test, stool tests, a celiac test and an ultrasound which were all negative so I was diagnosed with IBS.

12

Jenny.......please.........if there is any, and I mean any slight chance that you might have IBS, GO to a Gastroenterologist that specializes in IBS for a second opinion. My GP was useless with my condition and wasn't helpful at all.  Go, it will be worth your sanity and then you won't second guess yourself. Just do it and if he is a decent doctor, he will refer you at your insistence, if you need a referral.  Insist.  If you don't need a referral, find someone and go.