Talking to Your Doctor About Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

by Ricker Polsdorfer, MD

You have a unique medical history. Therefore, it is essential to talk with your doctor about your personal risk factors and/or experience with IBS. By talking openly and regularly with your doctor, you can take an active role in your care. For this condition in particular, a good doctor-patient relationship makes a big difference in your quality of life.

General Tips for Gathering Information

Here are some tips that will make it easier for you to talk to your doctor:

  • Bring someone else with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask.
  • Write out your questions ahead of time, so you don't forget them.
  • Write down the answers you get, and make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for clarification, if necessary.
  • Don't be afraid to ask your questions or ask where you can find more information about what you are discussing. You have a right to know.

Specific Questions to Ask Your Doctor

About the Diagnosis of IBS

  • Have you exhausted the other possible diagnoses?
  • Do you think bacterial overgrowth is worth looking into?
  • Do you think celiac disease is worth looking into?

About Your Risk of Developing Complications

  • I need to be reassured that this problem is not progressive or a prelude to cancer or other serious condition. Are there symptoms that might indicate IBS is progressing to something more serious?

About Treatment Options

  • What treatments are available to me?
  • What medications can I try?
    • What benefits and side effects can I expect from these medications?
    • Will any of these medications interact with other supplements or over-the-counter products I'm taking?
  • What do you think of alternative treatments for IBS?
    • Biofeedback
    • Hypnosis
    • Behavioral therapy

About Lifestyle Changes

  • Beyond what I have done to manage my symptoms, have you any further suggestions?
  • Can you refer me to a registered dietitian who can help me with adjusting my diet?
  • Will exercise help my symptoms?
  • Should I tell me family?

About Outlook

  • Do you know of any clinical trials for IBS?
  • Is there any new research that might make this condition easier to cope with in the future?
  • Can you recommend a support group?
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References:

American Gastroenterological Association website. Available at: http://www.gastro.org. Accessed March 6, 2006.
Fauci AS, Braunwald E, Isselbacher KJ, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 14th ed. New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2000.
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Inc. website. Available at: http://www.iffgd.org. Accessed March 6, 2006.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Self Help and Support Group website. Available at: http://www.ibsgroup.org . Accessed March 6, 2006.
Last reviewed October 2012 by Daus Mahnke, MD
Last Updated: 10/11/2012

 
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