People with IBS

?

Hi @outlander

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is quite common - I'm surprised that no one has responded yet. Maybe the acronym is confusing, given this is a mental health site... maybe people are wondering if it's a mental illness 🙂

IBS is usually diagnosed through a process of elimination. So most of the tests done are to rule out more serious illnesses. Accorrding to the Better Health website:

"If you suspect you have irritable bowel syndrome, it is important to seek medical advice to make sure your symptoms aren’t caused by any other illness, such as diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease or polyps. Coeliac disease (an immune intolerance to gluten, present in wheat and other grains) may produce many of the same symptoms as IBS. Lactose intolerance may produce bloating, cramps and diarrhoea.

Diagnosis methods include:

• full medical check-up
• blood tests, including blood tests for coeliac disease
• stool tests
• investigation of the bowel lining by inserting a small tube (sigmoidoscopy)
• investigation of the bowel under sedation (colonoscopy) or barium enema, if necessary."

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs

thank you for your response @NikNik much appreciated 🙂

guess ill be speaking to my gp when i can be bothered to go

Remember that stress and anxiety may affect IBS too.

Hi @outlander

it's best to check with your GP as with IBS you can lack nutrients, if you have diarrhea or you can be in constant pain if you have constipation. There are some blood tests the GP can order to check some markers of IBS or the GP can refer you to a specialist. I've gone through years of constant diarrhea and been poked, tested, checked over, gone on elimination diets... only to find out that it got better since I started to take antidepressants. I am by no way healed, but life has gotten a lot easier, and it is more like having frequent toilet stops when I'm anxious than constant diarrhea. On a normal day I poop like a normal person 😉

Not a pleasant subject, but I am very sure you and I are not the only one battling with IBS.