I am absolutely terrified to try and push for a diagnosis of endometriosis. Because the only way to diagnose that disorder is via surgery, which is both expensive and physically risky. But more than that, after doing multiple procedures to rule out a gastro issue, I’m scared to do something else that will result in the doctors, once again, giving me that look and telling me there’s nothing wrong with me.
In theory, an endometriosis test that isn’t surgery may be coming soon. But it’s been coming soon for years now, and I don’t want to wait and keep trying to treat IBS when that might not be the issue that actually needs treating.
I’ve been hesitant to try the food tolerance tests that I see advertised, because the research I’ve done on them indicates that they are no better than guessing when it comes to determining which foods to eat and which to avoid. But I recently made a connection with a doctor who has an MD and it a naturopath, so I’m going to try one more time to pin down a digestive issue.
At least that way I’ll be doing something.
And who knows? Maybe there is something going on that can be addressed via vitamins or eliminating specific foods. IBS is a differential diagnosis, after all. That means that the symptoms fit IBS, and there are no diagnostic indicators for anything else. But it could be something else, and that bugs me.