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Gastrointestinal diseases have many overlapping symptoms. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) namely, Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are two illnesses that effect the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract. Both can cause abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements; however, they are not the same. While there are many similarities between IBD and IBS, it is important to highlight the differences. The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation has updated their Inflammatory Bowel Disease vs. Irritable Bowel Syndrome brochure. It is an excellent resource for both IBD and IBS patients which highlights these differences. >> https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2019-10/ibd-and-IBS-brochure-final.pdf The link has been graciously provided by the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation

I followed the Crohn's and Colitis Congress #CCCongress over the last several days. It's an annual medically oriented meeting with doctors, researchers, industry and patient advocates focused on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). While IBD is medically different than IBS, many IBD patients have IBS-like symptoms between flares. Many of the treatment options that IBS patients use are just as relevant to an IBD patient. Many dietary modifications, therapy and often feelings of despair are also similar. The one thing not similar is an understanding that suffering from IBS has just a high impact as IBD on someone's quality of life. I'm working pretty hard to highlight the QOL issues of an IBS sufferer. Since I have both IBS and Crohn's disease, I have a perspective on both. It's sometimes a real challenge to find a doctor that will take IBS as seriously as IBD. I can tell you that they are out there. Find a new doctor, if you can, if your doctor isn't sympathetic to your QOL issues. There is no reason that you have to suffer in silence on your own.