Pcp or specialist?

Question

Those of you who were medically diagnosed has having IBS, did you go see your primary first? What was the order of things to get to your diagnosis? I don’t want the run around.

Answer

Typically your pcp has to refer you to a specialist. I saw my pcp, she did some blood work, a stool sample, and an ultrasound of my stomach, kidneys, gallbladder, and spleen. After that, she referred me. My GI did some more testing on food sensitivity/allergies and had be try cutting certain things out of my diet. Then I tried different pills along with adding fiber and a probiotic. After that i got a colonoscopy and after that came back good I got a CT. So far she’s diagnosed me with IBS but seems to think there’s more. Still going thru it all, so be patient when you do go!

Answer

Hi iv had ibs possiblely my whole life.. but got worse as i got older. I 1st went to my pcp at 15 about it.. i just had an ultrasound and it showed nothing.. then at 20 i had an upper gi swallow test about 2 or 3 of them and it showed nothing. I had blood work it showed nothing. I had a colonoscopy and it showed nothing.. i started bentyl and it didn't help my cramping.. finally i met a really sweet doctor and she prescribed me amitriptyline and lomotil and it finally helps and i feel so much better!! You may not show anything on blood work and test. Ibs is unknown really what causes it. Can be stress, hormones, certain foods. You can feel fine for months and or years then it hits you forever for a few months. Its like a rollercoaster with symptoms. Its literally a shitty disease.. but 1st you need to start with your pcp and theyll want to rule out ibd diseases such as chrons ulcerative colitis celiac ect 1st. Its a pain. But i went thru a lot to feel better and it was worth it.

Pcp or specialist?

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