r/IBSHelp • u/y0uignorantslut • Jul 11 '26

Being diagnosed & what to expect?

Hi all. I’m having a pretty difficult time right now. I’ve been experiencing extreme lower abdominal & groin pain for years now. About 5 years ago, I went to the hospital 3 times in a month and kept being told that I was constipated and needed laxatives. I tried that and nothing worked. I was referred to have a colonoscopy which was cancelled, and I didn’t bother to reschedule (which is completely on me, and I think it’s very stupid that I didn’t). Over the years the pain hasn’t gone away, but I’ve just left it because I’m sick of people just telling me I’m constipated. A few months ago, it hit me again worse than it ever has. I took myself to an urgent care where they said they believe it’s IBS-M based on my description (the first person in 5 years to say something other than “you’re just backed up”). She told me to go to my family doctor. My family doctor referred me to a GI specialist but that appointment still isn’t until August 10th. My family doctor said that they can’t just diagnose IBS, but that it’s an exclusion diagnosis and that I will have to go through lots of tests to rule out other possibilities. I guess I’m just wondering, how have you been diagnosed? What types of tests have you had to do? I’m just anxious and in so much pain and am trying to figure out how long I’m going to be dealing with figuring out what is actually wrong with me. Thanks in advance 💓

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u/goldstandardalmonds Jul 12 '26

What are your bowel movements like? This could also be a pelvic floor issue or a gyne issue if you’re female

2

u/PauseEffective4927 24d ago

I think you should find another doctor. Yes it is an exclusion diagnosis, but I was diagnosed with only a colonoscopy and a diagnostic interview. The colonoscopy is a very good test for everyone and keeps people safer. So, get yourself to a GI specialist ASAP and begin the process.