Gp being over the top?

[Whatalife88]

Hey all,

I have a history of IBS and reflux. Was having tablets for reflux that was working but didn't like the side affects so went back to gp. GP now wants me to have a chest xray, an appointment with ENT, an asthma review, blood tests (which I've had done and show low iron) and now that my blood tests show low iron gp wants me to do a stool sample and have a rectal exam even though I have no other symptoms other than heartburn, sore throat when my heartburn is bad and hoarse voice occasionally. I have diagnosed anxiety (including health anxiety) and the thought of going through all of this is sending my anxiety through the roof. I've had panic attacks already. I get being cautious but it's not like I'm losing weight or have any blood anywhere etc. I'm mid 30s. Should I have all this done?

I wouldn't worry that he is being overly cautious, it's usually a case of they don't follow up enough.

Surprised by the ENT referral though. I have the exact same issues, and co-incedentially have just been to a consultant this morning. He is Upper GI though, and I am going to have endoscopy and CT of upper organs.

On the asthma front, my GP tested me for asthma a couple of years ago, as I was getting stress asthma when doing exercise. All tests fine, however, turns out that's also a side effect of GERD as your tubes get irritated and can restrict air flow.

The other tests will be flagged up as you have anemia. So he is just checking you don't have an ulcer or bleed somewhere else. Try not to be anxious, easier said than done, but he is really being pretty rigorous, which is a good thing.

I don't think I can cope with a camera in my throat😩

The camera is quite small. My young son had to have it done and he was absolutely fine though he was quite revolted at the thought of it. Luckily he had no warning and it was over very quickly. He wasn't sick or anything and this is child who easily gets nauseous.

I should say the camera they used on him just looked like part of the sort of probe thing. It really was small.

Have you had a blood test for coeliac? Bowel issues, reflux and low iron are quite classic symptoms. Obviously it may not be, but worth ruling out. You need to be eating lots of gluten for six weeks before the blood test.

She's sending me for a coeliac blood test in 4 weeks, I've had it done in previous years and it was negative but I do have all the symptoms.

That's good they're covering all bases. Your symptoms shouldn't be ignored as they're not 'normal', it's not how you should be feeling. Do eat gluten at two meals every day until your test as the test isn't accurate if you're not eating gluten.