Question: Hello,

My doctor has diagnosed me with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
I am just looking for a second opinion on it.

I went to a gastroenterologist a little over 2 years ago, because of frequent stomach and lower abdominal aches. They were mostly severe but varied day-to-day.

He ran many different tests. He did a full blood panel. I had an Esophagogastroduodenoscopy done to check for peptic ulcers. They did a biopsy to test for H. Pylori and Celiac. I did a lactose-free diet for 2 weeks to check if it is lactose intolerance. And I have had a CT scan done on my abdomen with contrast.
Everything has come back normal.
He never ordered a stool sample, or a colonoscopy.
He says that this is because I have no blood in my stool, and I do not have the main risk factors that would order for a colonoscopy (age, blood in stool)

So because of this, my GI doctor believes it is IBS.
He put me on Amitriptyline and slowly increased the dose up to 100mg, which is what I am on now and have been for a few months.
I am also taking Omeprazole more recently, as I started having bad heartburn pains.
I take Dicyclomine or Hyoscyamine, as needed for pain.

The medicine has been working to lessen everything. The Omeprazole stopped the acid reflux, which is a more recent (within the past few months) condition.
The pain is mostly lower abdominal. It is severe prior to bowel movements. But all day I have a large amount of gas, in both my stomach and lower abdomen.
I have been taking a full spectrum digestive enzyme supplement prior to meals, and probiotics in the morning.
But the gas is still there, and still painful. I feel like I am burping all day, every day. And flatulating a lot when using the bathroom. Sometimes I feel like I need to make a bowel movement, but instead it is a lot of gas.
I know that IBS is worsened by stress and anxiety. And lately I have been under severe stress. I do get nervous stomach aches throughout the day.
But this is even when I am not stressed out.

Do you have any advice or ideas?
Is the gastroenterologist correct in diagnosing IBS?
If he is, is there anything that would better treat it?
Is there anything I should ask him on my next visit?

Thank you!

Hello,

Thank you.

I emailed some of what you said over to my gastroenterologist and he said that these antibiotics arent very helpful for the symptoms that I am having. And that they are very expensive at $700+. He says I can get them if I would like to try, but chances are it wouldn't help me.