Seeing your Doctor about IBS shouldn’t be embarrassing.

Article by Sian

Talking with your Doctor about Irritable Bowel Syndrome
For many people the initial appointment with their GP regarding their IBS symptoms is the hardest.

I know from messages I have received from YouTube that some people simply will not talk to any-one about bowel movements. They may be horrendously embarrassed, or afraid, or both.

It is important to remember, that no matter how you feel, your GP has heard it all before.

He or she wants as much information as you can give him to help with the diagnosis, and will regard you as helpful if you tell them everything.

My GP's and IBS
The first time I went to my surgery specifically for IBS, I had never heard of it.

I had suffered a nervous stomach and nausea for many years, but had never heard of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.I was in great pain however, feeling as if an iron band was slowly being tightened about my lower stomach and back.

There was also blood when I wiped myself after a bowel movement. This terrified me, so I made an appointment.By the time I went in to see the doctor, I was practically frozen, not knowing how to describe what was happening.

Since I also suffer from social phobia, and extreme shyness I felt light-headed and hot and dizzy, as if everything was unreal. I was as polite as if I was a tiny girl who had been told to behave. Not knowing the medical words to use, I heard myself trying to describe without using names.

He understood, and asked me certain questions, then asked me to lie down on my side for a rectal examination. At that point I was in some strange world of my own and did what I was told.

It did not hurt, and took little time, but I was beginning to feel panic cut through the haziness. However, the doctor, very matter-of-factly explained that he believed it was internal hemorrhoids, and a torn skin tag which could easily tear and bleed, especially if the stools were hard, or I strained. He told me about IBS and I was prescribed Colofac for the cramps.I also began to take Pepto Bismol.

I go to a medical practice where there are four doctors and three triage nurses and tend to 'circulate' through them, as when the pharmacists and the receptionist all know your first name and even your voice on the telephone, you know you're making too many appointments! All of them have spoken about IBS as the years have passed, and apart from the fact that there is no 'magic bullet ' for the syndrome, they have been helpful and taken the time to explain referred pain, other symptoms, the brain-gut connection, stress, the bladder, menstrual pain, and diet.

What to expect when you see your doctor
You may find that your GP cannot do very much save try certain medications and suggest diet changes and pain relief. Irritable Bowel Syndrome seems, unfortunately, to be more common or at least more recognized now.

Doctors cannot perform miracle cures, but most, if you are open with them, will be understanding and at least they can set your mind at rest, since usually symptoms that sound like IBS really are IBS.

Although some people will find it impossible not to feel embarrassed, no medically trained person will be, since this is their life. The more you tell them, the more easily they can make a diagnosis. If you are concerned that the pain may have another cause, suggest it politely, and see what they say.

For certain women's problems, such as endometriosis, they may feel it necessary to perform tests.

Be polite, even if you feel at the end of your rope, since GP's see enough rude people. If you are afraid or upset, that is fine, they do understand, but aggressive or rude behavior will not help.

Thank them for their time. I apologize for ' bothering ' them each time I go, since I really am sorry to have to see them so often.

All of them have been very good to me, and a good relationship with your GP is a step toward dealing with your problem. If new medications come in, if they feel you may benefit by trying a new approach, they are likely to give you far more time than if you are demanding, abrupt and discourteous.

They will, I have found, be very kind, if you are especially distressed.

If your doctor is one of the rare ones who are dismissive, then it is within your rights to find another, or one within the same surgery.

I have found that all have a slightly different approach to IBS and their own ideas about it, so if it is possible, it is worth seeing a different doctor at times.

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