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How can one safely say its IBS and not a polyp or a tumour?

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 9/23/2012 6:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hello

I have been having the infamous "lower left" pain for 2 years.. Since forever I was constipated (since a child) but the pain started after one of these long periods of constipation..
Anyway I went to 3 different Gastro-Enterologists, all three suggested it was IBS, all three didn't say I would need a colonoscopy. They suggested "Colofiber" which is a supplement here in Belgium which has Plantago ovata Forsk.. (Psyllium) I take one of these bags every morning and I have normal easy daily visit to the bathroom... When I am stressed then I get many trips to the bathroom as stress makes me the opposite of constipated..

My question is: As the pain persists (when I stop taking supplement or when I eat raw vegetables and so on) should I be worried? Should I demand for a colonoscopy? Is there any other less invasive technique for screening? I am 29 years old, 1,90cm and 76kg. Could it be something else? How can one safely say "its IBS dont worry".. From my understanding its better to rule out something or to detect it early... As colon cancer is quite treatable if caught early.

Thank you for your help!
Posted 9/23/2012 11:24 PM (GMT 0)
IBS is diagnosed when all other possible diagnoses have not been found. IBS cannot be diagnosed without a colonoscopy. If I read correctly, the pain goes away when you routinely use the fiber supplement? How long after eating raw vegetables does the pain begin?

I am surprised that out of three different GI doctors, not one wanted to investigate the cause of your pain. I would return to the one you felt listened to you the most and that you like, and tell him/her that you are still having difficulties. Is the pain interfering with your daily activities?
Posted 9/24/2012 1:48 AM (GMT 0)
Well, colon cancer in a 29 year old has got to be rare. And you didn't mention blood tests - has anyone checked your blood for anemia, signs of inflammation or infection? I would think those tests would come well before a colonoscopy. If adding psyllium helps you that is great. Stress makes many people have bowel problems - did you know that your bowel has more nervous system cells than your brain?
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