New to the forum, do I have IBS?

Posted , 2 users are following.

Good afternoon, I am a 45 year old male who has had symptoms of lower abdominal/tummy pain, feeling really gassy, bloating and nausea for about 6 weeks, my bowel movements are slightly changeable but no constipation or diarrhoea and no blood in stools. I first visited my doctor about a month ago and after examination I was diagnosed with diverticulitis and given a 7 day course of antibiotics. 2 weeks later my symptoms had not improved and my GP sent me to the local hospital for blood tests which all came back as normal (presumably with no sign of diverticulitis).

This week I went to see my GP as a follow up to my hospital visit, he says I don't have any of the symptoms that would flag up a major health issue such as blood in stools, weight loss and loss of appetite but is still unable to give a diagnosis. As a precaution I have been asked to do a Fit test (poo) and have an colonoscopy arranged for me, I have also been prescribed mebeverine to take 20 minutes before meals.

Is it possible that my symptoms point to a diagnosis of IBS?

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    hi Stephen, yes it is possible! it could be IBS or something else bowel related. i would ask them - ie the professionals to rule everything else out 1st though. do you find you have problems after eating bread/bread products or after milk/milk products? ibs is a set of symptoms that are managed but it is easy for doctors to say ibs as then they don't have to pay for a camera etc to see what else is going on. be pushy and make your doctors do what's right for you. good luck!

    • Posted

      Hi Sam, many thanks for your reply, it's much appreciated. My GP has booked me in for an abdominal ultrasound and colonoscopy in the next couple of weeks, this should help to come up with a definite diagnosis. All my blood tests have come back as normal.

      I was just looking up conditions that most resemble my symptoms and IBS is very similar.

    • Posted

      i wish you good luck! post back when you've discovered what it is.....

    • Posted

      Hi Sam, I am just posting back after finally receiving a confirmed diagnosis of Irritable bowel from my GP. Thankfully all my test results have come back as normal and my condition has much improved over the last couple of weeks. The Doctor has put me on a repeat prescription of mebeverine to take before meals and advised me to keep to a healthy diet and regular exercise. My GP is not sure what triggered my symptoms but believes that the condition is sometimes brought on by stress.

    • Posted

      hi Stephen, i am glad your results were ok, that is good news. i can't believe your doctor has used the lovely mebeverine yet again, there's now much better medication available, that stuff is awful after a short while. i hope it works for you!

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