Is a sensitive gut like IBS?

Hi Jonathan 58 As you probably know IBS is a condition causing bouts of constipation, diarrhea and

stomach cramps plus other symptoms. There is a criteria that doctors use to diagnose IBS. Perhaps when

you saw the doctor he/she did not think you fitted the criteria. WithIBS the system is sensitive and there are

different triggers for each person for me it is stress and anxiety which make my IBS worse, diet is another.

I am no expert others here will probably know a lot more. What symptoms do you get and are they ongoing?

Where you offered any medication. IBS is different to the odd stomach bug which everyone gets from time

to time even IBS sufferers, although usually worse and last longer for us. If you still have problems go back

to your gp and I am sure you will get some help. Good luck.

Thanks for answering this question, the thing is I have repeated bouts of constipation and it alternates between diarrhoea and constipation and these symptoms have been with me for more than 10 years, food will trigger it, like Peppered Sauce for example or a Chinese, I had an ileostomy when I was a baby so that could trigger towards it maybe?

Whenever I get abdominal cramps I take Buscopan which helps a lot, but that's it.

I asked my GP who said it was not IBS, which is very strange as all my symptoms fit the critieria.

When I was younger my mum said that I held my poo in a lot, could this trigger towards it as well.

Thanks,

Jonathan

Coeliac disease symptoms are like IBS...go back and see the GP again...or another one at the practise if possible who may be more helpful. Diagnosing "a sensitive gut" is a cop out! You need further tests whatever it is.

Hello Jonathan, Does sound like IBS but carol13 is right Coeliac symptoms are like IBS, so see your GP

and ask for some tests to be done. Whether or not your ileoostomy as a baby had anything to do with it I

don't know. If you are referred to the hospital you should be able to ask. Also with regard to holding in

poo as a baby I would say as a mother and grandmother this is quite common in young children, if they

suffer from constipation and hold it in, because they are frightened it will hurt to go. Whether or not this is

connected I don't know. I also sometimes have trouble with spicy foods. Go back to your GP it is a cop out

just saying your have a sensitive gut if you have suffered so long. Good luck, and let us all know how you

get on.

Take care Libralady13

Agree totally with all Libralady says! Request a referral to a Gastroenterologist if you get no joy with the GP.

And ...GPs are supposed to test you for Coeliac disease before diagnosing anyone with IBS....this applies to anyone reading this with the same symptoms.

Persist!

Thanks everyone, I might just get my GP to refer me to the Gastroenterologist, as I am having no lock with my GP not diagnosing me, it's bloody annoying.