Saw 3 gastroenterologists (for 2nd opinions) for my irregular bowel habits...who's advice should I follow?

Question

I'm 26, no family history of polyps or colon cancer but I have irregular bowel habits from having flat/thin stools to diarrhea (diarrhea if I eat something greasy or spicy). I went to see 3 gastroentergolists to get an opinion:

Dr 1: Told me to change my diet into chicken and vegetables, take laxatives in combination with fiber supplements to clean out the bowel and have normal stools. Said colonoscopy not needed because I'm too young to have polyps or colon cancer

Dr 2: said I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome, colonoscopy is out of the question and told me to take fiber supplements

Dr 3: wants to do a colonoscopy to be on the safe side although he thinks it will come out negative anyways.

Should i try the fiber diet change, lose weight (overweight) and see if my stool will return back to normal? Or should I just go for the colonoscopy? I'm just afraid insurance won't cover my colonoscopy because of my age and risk% THanks!

Answer 1

Hi Hater, yes certain foods are recognized as triggers for IBS. You true say that fatty foods, caffeine and dairy products may be triggers for your IBS. Keeping a food diary will help you identify if eating these foods cause your symptoms to flare up and you can eliminate them in line with advice from your doctor. Opinion Dr 2 for me is better.

Yes, some foods can be helpful in easing the symptoms of IBS, especially foods high in fiber. For example, bran, cereals, fruit and vegetables. Try introducing these foods into your diet, in small quantities first to allow your digestive system time to adjust.

Eating little and often has also been proven to relieve symptoms in some IBS sufferers. Try spreading your food intake over 5 meals a day. Eating too much in one sitting can bring on cramping and diarrhea for people at risk from IBS.

Try to introduce some relaxation techniques into your day such as meditation, yoga, exercise or any activity that you enjoy.
Jason Homan
Also look article: http://www.askedweb.com/askedweb/Home_Treatment_For_Irritable_Bowel_Syndrome/ this info may be helpful.

Answer 2

Well I for one would steer clear of the laxatives (he or she may have meant 'stool softeners' but even so :) as they can be too harsh and even addictive. They really should only be used as part of the prep for the colonoscopy. A fiber supplement can help with regularity, however, it's 'better to be safe than sorry' especially if one's health insurance covers the colonoscopy. I actually have colitis which is an inflammation (redness, swelling and/or pain) of the colon which is part of the large intestine and take asacol.

My dr also recommended taking a fiber supplement and I sometimes do, and the brand that I take happens to be very gentle. It's by Andrew Lessman is a chemist who presents his products on home shopping network but also has his own company lab. The product is called Fibermucil and if I can tolerate it, it is tolerable ;) http://www.hsn.com He's also very interesting and one learns a lot when he does present on hsn.

Answer 3

#1 was right in that you probably are too young to worry about polyps or cancer.
#2 was way out of line, diagnosing IBS can only be done with a colonoscopy, an endoscopy and a barium swallow.
#3 is close, it would probably be a good idea to do a colonoscopy because of your symptomology...but good luck getting your insurance to go along with it.
Face it, our healthcare system is totally messed up, and as long as insurance companies can tell us what we can and cannot have done.....it will remain messed up. These people in the insurance industry have NO medical background, they base their decisions on statistical probabilities not on what is actually going on with the patient. (much like life insurance companies) And they control the almight dollar that gets paid to the healthcare professionals for what they do.....so the patient? yeah, he's screwed and gets to pay for the priviledge. I'd recommend you change your diet and lose weight, but if you can afford a colonoscopy, go for that too.

Answer 4

I would try the fiber diet first.see how things go. I have IBS and know exactly what you describe. Avoid the spicy foods. If you don't see any improvement in a month or so I'd check and see if insurance will cover the colonist. They will probably require you try these other things first anyway. It is not so bad..just the prep the day before but the test you are in twilight sleep.
Good Luck

Answer 5

Go for the colonoscopy. Cancer doesn't know anything about age. I understand the insurance concern, but, when I worked in the office of a doctor who did endoscopies and colonoscopies, our office always got the insurance pre-approval before scheduling the procedure. Even if you have to pay for it, it will be worth it. Do the test.

Answer 6

Why not try the fiber diet for a month and see if there is a positive change.? If you don't feel better go back to the Dr. Being over weight has its own issues and it would not hurt to lose some weight

Answer 7

a million. your opinion - Depends..... is it secure? two. pillow - And the hot hands that flatter it. three. hair brush or comb - As lengthy as I'm requested. four. newspaper - Entertainment segment? More espresso? five. cash - What I've received. Tain't so much. 6. secrets and techniques - This would be amusing. 7. gossip - As lengthy as it is not malicious. eight. recommendation - Like any individual is listening? Puh-leeze. nine. tweezers - Now you have received me curious. 10. your humor - Will that be without or with champagne please?

Answer 8

I had a friend with the same symptoms and no one correctly diagnosed her. She was allergic to wheat gluten - and it went on so long that now she has celiac disease....which is worse....please ask your doctor to test you for gluten allergies.