IBS???

[MrsRuffdiamond]

Basically I'm looking for a diplomatic way of saying to my GP that I think He's misdiagnosed my symptoms!

Although I know that many people suffer terribly with IBS, I think it can also be a bit of a cop-out diagnosis, when Drs. are presented with vague, disparate gastro-intestinal symptoms.

For many reasons, including IBS hardly ever presenting for the first time in over 50s (Ovarian Cancer Action website), I want further investigations done, but don't know how to ask without being written off as a neurotic middle-aged woman. Any suggestions gratefully received. Have appt. tomorrow, and am worried about being fobbed off yet again.

Hi, did your GP give you any anti spasmodic drugs and dietary advice? If so did they work? If not and your symptoms are persisting then go back to the GP you are the best judge of how you feel, explain you are concerned about what else it could be. Did you say you are over50 if so they do need to consider alternative diagnosis, do you mind me asking what your symptoms are, I'm a colorectal nurse so have some knowledge in this area although, I think the most important thing is, if you are unhappy with the diagnosis go back I'm sure your GP will be fine with it.

Hi, Liliyben. Thanks for replying. My other symptoms are many and varied!

I have had bloating, indigestion, trapped wind, painful heartburn and abdominal discomfort for many months now, as well as lower back pain on the left, which has of late sometimes been so severe when I wake up, that I have been unable to get out of bed conventionally, but have had to slide onto the floor on my knees and use the bed to get into a standing position! Going to the loo relieves it somewhat, but I have a dull ache there most of the time. All these symptoms are relatively new - within the last 18 months or so.

For ages now, my left side under the ribs has been tender to the touch, and I have some discomfort in that area. Latterly, I have started feeling slightly nauseous, for no apparent reason, and getting a feeling of discomfort in my gullet. I'm perfectly able to function, but I haven't been feeling 'right' for well over a year, now.

GP gave me a leaflet about diet, and I did cut down my consumption of the high FODMAPS things, but no discernible change. He prescribed me an antacid, which helps the heartburn, but I would have to be taking them non-stop to prevent it completely.

I'm not saying I haven't got IBS, but given the unlikelihood of it appearing for the first time in someone of my age, I would like other things to be eliminated.

If you've ploughed through this, thanks!

Read these and decide, I vaguely recall a diagnosis of IBS was a diagnosis of last resort
www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg61

Have you looked at the info on Ovacom- the charity for ovarian cancer?
They have a download called BEAT which means you can chart your symptoms over several weeks and show them to your GP.

It's not correct that IBS never shows up in older people. Many coeliacs for example are diagnosed in their 40s. You might have developed a food intolerance or even be an undiagnosed coeliac. The first step for the latter is a blood test, then a biopsy.

As well as IBS you could have Crohns disease or diverticulitis. I'd push for a referral to a gastro specialist and have some tests done.

Just to reiterate what POsh said- IBS is a diagnosis once all other possible causes have been eliminated.

Anyone with possible IBS should have other tests first especially coeliac .

Grateful to all for helpful info. Several things I shall follow up - many thanks!

Lovely Dr. didn't send me away with a flea in my ear, but I've got my comeuppance. I'm being booked in for a procedure which involves me swallowing a camera

Don't worry. JUst ask for sedation and you won't know a thing about it!

My experience probably isn't relevant but just in case- I developed ibs &constipation / severe tiredness and coeliac test was negative- but it was still a severe reaction to wheat and took years to realise and be better. I also can no longer eat rice or corn but totally better.

Thanks to both for reassurances!

As LL said, it's possible you are intolerant to gluten or other cereals. In the meantime maybe experiment by avoiding them and sticking to oats and rice only, and gluten-free bread- Genius is nice and available in most good supermarkets!

Don't give up gluten until after endoscopy though as it might affect result if you are coeliac.

Thanks again for replies.

Just out of interest, does anyone know how usual it is for gluten intolerance etc. to manifest itself for the first time at the age of 54, having not had any digestive problems before?

It's just that one of the things that made me query the IBS diagnosis, was that on the Ovarian Cancer Action website, it states that IBS develops for the first time in patients in their 20s and 30s, and if you develop IBS symptoms for the first time and you are in your 50s, it is unlikely to be IBS.

I don't think there is any answer tot hat one- you'd need to have a good google and also look at the coeliac support website.

I do know that people can develop intolerances or allergies to anything at any time.

Anything can trigger an intolerance because it's your immune system going into overdrive. Stress, viruses, food poisoning, menopause- all these things can be a trigger in some people.

You might not have IBS- you might have an intolerance. Often these build up gradually and some of the signs people overlook- like headaches, arthritis, aches and pains, slightly upset tummies.

This is a good book -hope the link works

www.amazon.co.uk/The-Allergy-Bible-understanding-intolerances/dp/1844002055/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410288942&sr=8-1&key

Yes it did Thanks, pink.

My mums Coeliac disease did not manifest symptoms until her late 50's, with me, I was in my 40's.

I've heard of many similar cases. Hopefully your endoscopy will give you some answers - good luck (ask for sedation - I fell asleep!).

Thanks, 0ellen. I'm getting the impression that the procedure is rather unpleasant without sedation!

I didn't have sedation with my endoscopy, I couldn't have sedation. It wasn't comfortable but went okay. Mind I was more upset when they asked if I wanted to have a look at the images - I wonder how many actually say yes to that?!

The only thing I found helpful after having a diagnosis of IBS was Mebeverine but for some reason only the sugar coated ones over the counter from boots work with me. No idea why that is, but they've really helped me.

I know this is zombie but curious as to how the OP is as in similar scenario - best wishes OP

Me too, wanting to know how OP is, as I'm going through similar stuff right now (see my thread on Ulcerative Colitis?/OBS? Something worse?)

Did you get a diagnosis, OP?

Also, Lilybensmum1 - who said she was a colorectal nurse, are you still around, as I'd love to ask your opinion about what's going on for me?