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How do you know if its IBS

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Posted 4/8/2009 12:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hi I'd like to know if there is a separate and conclusive test for IBS,I asked my GI if there was a possibility of me having IBS at our last meeting,and he just laughed and said no its the UC like I was crazy or somthing,this is because I've never been in remission for like over 2 years.
I think there may be a chance it is,as since I've been on the Azathioprine,my main symptoms have been
gas,bloating,painful cramping,(diarhea/constipation together!) I havent had any of the main things I had when the UC was much worse than it is now,ie lots of blood,I have no discernable blood now,urgency.
My GI its just not interested in any of my little pet theories,as he just thinks I should have elective surgery as I will most likley need it sometime within the next 2 to 10 years cause I have ton of inflammtory polyps.
Posted 4/8/2009 2:10 PM (GMT 0)

I've asked my doc the same thing.  If you've had a colonoscopy that shows UC inflammation, then that's what you have.  Now that's not to say that you don't ALSO have IBS.  If that's the case, letting the IBS go untreated can make your UC worse. 

I don't know of any conclusive test for IBS, but if you go on an IBS diet and see improvement, that should show you something.  The website I have posted in my signature is a great site to show you how to eat with IBS.  Maybe you could try out the tips and see if it makes a difference? 

Posted 4/8/2009 2:12 PM (GMT 0)
There is no conclusive test for irritable bowel syndrome that I know of. IBS is considered a "catch all" diagnosis when you have cramping, motility issues and spasming with no obvious inflammation or bleeding. In other words, it's the tag they put on you when they can't find anything overtly, physcially wrong. Most GIs believe you can have IBS AND have UC or Crohn's at the same time.
Posted 4/8/2009 3:32 PM (GMT 0)
I have UC and IBS (many years now); my Gastro MD was the one who told me I had both (she's the head of the department and I've seen her for over ten years now). UC was diagnosed by biopsies/scopes and IBS was diagnosed due to reported chronic symptoms.

Post Edited (BigLucy) : 4/8/2009 9:35:19 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/8/2009 3:48 PM (GMT 0)
I have both... I can just tell. But my GI seems to think so too.
Posted 4/8/2009 5:14 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, typically with GI issues they'll do a colonoscopy, and small bowel tests and if they don't find any inflammation/polyps/ulcers then they will DX IBS based on symptoms being so similar to IBD but doesn't show physicaly signs of IBD (inflammation, ect). They'll also usually do blood and stool tests too.

:)
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