Do you need a Colonoscopy to determine IBS?

[Perfectly_Imperfect]

My only symptom is bloating (sometimes gassy but mostly just pregnant looking, distended.) - I have mild constipation (I go every morning but by afternoon/evening I do feel a little constipated, thats when the bloating starts.) No blood, no diarrhea, no abdominal pain. I've had a lot of tests, Upper GI Series, Upper Endoscopy, Abdominal Ultrasound, blood tests (all fine: allergy tests, H. Pylori, B12) ... Most days I feel fine and just deal with the bloating. I have an anxiety disorder that I'm in the process of getting under control. My Primary is sending me to a GI (I've seen one in the past but she blew off all my symptoms and said to see a shrink, which I was seeing and still am) and she thinks that he may order a colonoscopy to get a 100% diagnosis of IBS. The bloating is annoying and sometimes my left stomach sticks out a little more than my right, like it's lop sided but no pain no lumps, don't know what that is ... I'm willing to go through with the colonoscopy if I have too but I'm not sure my symptoms are severe enough to get one done?

Any ideas/advice/suggestions? My appt with the GI is in 3 weeks.

[patient915]

With what you have just said, i think that you don't need a colonoscopy.

[Perfectly_Imperfect]

I'm 28 and I have 0 risk factors for colon cancer, and no symptoms consistent with IBD (no diarrhea, blood, pain, etc.) Like I said my only major annoying symptom is the bloating. I have some weight loss but I am also exercising and *trying* to eat better so it's not unintentional weight loss. I was 139-140 at the beginning of April and am now 135-136 so it's not even alot of weight loss ... I'm 5'3" btw. I tried fennel tea the past few days and actually feel better more often ... I have an appt with a GI in 3 weeks and I'm scared he'll request one and if he does I'm willing to go through with it but would rather not if I don't have too ...

[FurballsMom]

I agree with the above post.  Because of my young age when I was first diagnosed, I didn't have a colonoscopy.  In fact, I didn't hear about getting the test done 'til I was much older.

[patient915]

While it is true that to have a 100% diagnosis (or as close as you can get to 100%) of IBS, you need a colonoscopy.  However, I personally think that your symptoms don't need a colonoscopy.  I think the chance that a colonoscopy will show something is less than 10%.  However, this would change depending on your age.  How old are you?