Hi

I was kind of diagnosed with IBS about 7-8 months after many appointments with various doctors with stomach pain complaints. Eventually I was sent in for an Ultrasound scan and that came out ok, hopefully ruling out anything bad in there. However im doubtful now as I havent had a Colonoscopy to check for anything more severe in my bowel and this is worrying me some what.

My understanding of IBS is that the pain only usually comes when you have an IBS attack and is usually relieved after a bowel movement. Is this correct? I at the moment am suffereing with stomach ache, lower back ache 24/7 and Im sure this cant be correct and its been going on for some weeks now. I fell a bit sickly also.

I dont know what else to do really. Should I go back to my GP and insist on a colonoscopy or jsut accept their diagnosis?

Hi mcruk,

This is going to be my opinion and only my opinion so take it for what it's worth. Someone else may come along with another idea for you. You didn't say if you were a C, D or an A. My symptoms inculde the stomache ache, 24/7 pain and my pain does not go away when I go.

It is my feeling that if it's possible for you to have a colonoscopy you should have one before a dx of IBS. IBS can mimic too many other more dangerous problems and ultra sound is good but in a colonoscopy the doctor actually sees into your colon. If your insurance will cover it(and I can't imagine it not), I would without a doubt go to my GI and ask to have one.

The prep for the scope is pretty awful but, it's worth the piece of mind. I like to know what I'm dealing with so I can take charge of getting better. The scope itself is nothing. They put an IV in, give you some meds so you won't remember a thing and it's done before you know it. I was so out of it that I talked the doc into another test and don't remember any of it. (Glad I had the other test because it found something wrong.)

This is plenty long! I hope I answered you questions.

Love,

Jamie