So You Think You Have IBS… What Next?

If you are constantly battling stomach discomfort, struggling to navigate excessive bloating or unpredictable bathroom trips, you might have found yourself questioning if you have IBS. Understandably, knowing how to address your digestive concerns can be overwhelming and confusing, especially when so much information is available. IBS affects around 11% of the population globally, and only about 30% of people who experience the symptoms of IBS will consult a doctor for their IBS symptoms. Whether you’ve heard about IBS through a friend or social media, or you’re just trying to make sense of what your body is telling you, we’re here to help guide your next steps.

Recognizing the Signs of IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common and chronic digestive disorder that affects the stomach and intestines. It is typically characterized by: 

• Abdominal pain or cramping 

• Diarrhea or constipation, or alternating between the two

• Gas and bloating

• Changes in stool frequency or appearance

The cause of IBS is unknown, but it’s thought that factors like the brain-gut connection, intestinal motility, gut sensitivity, stress/anxiety, and genetics could play a role. It’s important to know that these symptoms overlap with other conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, or food intolerances. That’s why proper evaluation is so important.

Why Self-Diagnosing IBS Can Be Risky

When your gut is unpredictable, it’s tempting to take matters into your own hands. Many people do just that — cutting out foods left and right, trying every supplement the internet recommends, or convincing themselves that this is just how their body is now. And for many, when they do seek help, they're met with a dismissive wave of the hand or a printout about IBS, with no next steps and no support. 

But the truth is IBS is a legitimate medical condition, and while it’s not curable, it’s absolutely manageable. You deserve a thoughtful and collaborative approach.

IBS is real. 

IBS is complex.

And IBS deserves more than a shrug and a brochure.

The path to help starts with advocating for care you shouldn’t have to fight for, but that you absolutely deserve.

The main reason not to go it alone? Because symptoms that look like IBS can also signal other serious conditions, like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, etc. Without proper testing and evaluation, it's easy to miss an underlying issue that needs a different kind of care.

IBS may be common, but it’s still a diagnosis of exclusion. That means before you land there, your care team should help rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. Skipping that step, or assuming it’s “just IBS” because that’s what the internet says, can delay the treatment and support your body actually needs.

This is why it’s so important to push for a full evaluation. You're not being difficult. You're being responsible.

So What Do You Do Next?

So, you’ve been living with symptoms, and you’re now ready for some answers. You don’t need a crash course in elimination diets or another stranger on the internet telling you to “just cut out gluten.” You need a plan and a team. Here’s what that path can look like:

1. Start with your Primary Care Provider

Your first step is often your PCP. Ask them to take your symptoms seriously and rule out conditions like celiac, IBD, and others that can mimic IBS. This might include labs, imaging, or even referrals.

If they wave it off, push back kindly but firmly. You are allowed to ask for better care.

2. Ask for a Referral to a Gastroenterologist (GI)

A GI doctor can help dig deeper. They’re trained to evaluate digestive disorders and can help confirm or rule out an IBS diagnosis through proper testing. This step is key, especially if your symptoms are moderate to severe, or if there are red flags like unintended weight loss, blood in stool, or persistent fatigue.

3. Work with a Registered Dietitian (RD) trained in IBS management

Once other conditions have been ruled out, a dietitian trained in GI disorders can be your next best guide. IBS nutrition is incredibly nuanced, and restrictive approaches (like the low-FODMAP diet) are not meant to be DIY.

A trained RD will help you:

• Spot patterns and triggers without unnecessary elimination

• Stay nourished while managing symptoms

• Feel empowered, not fearful, around food

• Help provide you with tools and resources for preventing future flare-ups 

4. Support the Gut-Brain Connection

IBS is a functional GI disorder, meaning the issue isn’t always visible on scans, but it’s very real. And the nervous system plays a role. Stress, anxiety, trauma, and even past medical gaslighting can all make symptoms worse.

That’s where therapy comes in. Not because it’s “all in your head,” but because your brain and gut are deeply connected. Therapists familiar with GI issues, especially those trained in modalities like CBT or gut-directed hypnotherapy, can be a powerful part of your team.

IBS is a real, and sometimes challenging, condition that deserves proper diagnosis and treatment. But it doesn’t have to be challenging. You deserve to gain back all that you’ve lost to IBS and the torment of its symptoms. You deserve not to feel bound to your home because you’re fearful of an unexpected bathroom trip showing up out of nowhere. You deserve to gain back freedom in where you eat or what you eat. You deserve to be symptom-free and empowered to do the activities you love. 

If this has resonated with you and you are looking for more guidance on managing your IBS symptoms, please reach out to our team of trained dietitians who are here and ready to help you on your healing journey. You don’t have to figure this out all on your own, and you deserve proper care.

Written by Lauren Hebert, MS, RDN, LD, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at CV Wellbeing

510 Main Street, Suite 103, Gorham, ME 04038

• How do I know if I have IBS?

  IBS symptoms can include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between both. Because these symptoms overlap with conditions like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and food intolerances, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for proper evaluation. IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning other causes should be ruled out first.

• Does fiber help IBS symptoms?

  Fiber can help manage IBS for some people, but not all types of fiber work the same way. Some fiber can worsen symptoms for some people. Working with a registered dietitian can help you find the right amount and type of fiber for your specific needs.

• When should I see a doctor about IBS symptoms?

  You should make an appointment if you have ongoing stomach pain, bloating, or unpredictable bowel changes. Urgent evaluation is especially important if you experience “red flag” symptoms like unintended weight loss, blood in your stool, or severe fatigue. Your doctor can rule out other conditions and refer you to a gastroenterologist if needed.

• Who can help me manage IBS long-term?

  A team approach often works best. Start with your primary care provider for initial testing, then seek support from a gastroenterologist for specialized care. A registered dietitian trained in IBS can help you manage symptoms with food choices and gut-brain strategies, while therapists familiar with GI issues can support the mind-gut connection.