Q&A with Dr. Nandi 1 - Should You See a Primary Care Physician or Gastroenterologist For IBS?

By Neilanjan ‘Neil’ Nandi, MD, FACP

1 min read

Living with IBS is difficult, and effectively managing symptoms can be extremely complicated. Often times, there are more questions than answers, leaving people feeling frustrated and even helpless. In this four part Q&A video series, I will be addressing some burning questions about IBS:

Should You See a Primary Care Physician or Gastroenterologist For IBS?
Is the Medical Community More Aware About Effective Management Strategies for IBS?
Could Other Conditions Cause IBS Symptoms?
What's the Best Way to Manage IBS?

Tune in to part 1, where I talk about the type of health care professional people should see for the management of their IBS. What type of healthcare professional do you regularly see for your IBS? What has your experience been like? Comment below to let us know!

Neil Nandi, MD, FACP is a renowned Gastroenterologist who has dedicated his career to the management, research and education of those afflicted with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s & Ulcerative Colitis.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The IrritableBowelSyndrome.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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jaeger91 Member
I see a gastroenterologist, but it took time to find the right one. I had already received treatments for pelvic floor dysfunction and fecal incontinence, so my case was a little complicated. After my primary physician diagnosed me with IBS-D (after many tests to rule things out), I met with two different GIs who didn't know how to address my issues--one focused only on my GERD and the other hadn't read my chart ahead of time and couldn't tell me anything helpful but did offer to run any test I might want. He admitted he didn't think the tests were necessary, though, when I pressed the issue. That was a red flag for me. My OB-GYN sent me to a GI at Mayo in Rochester. She diagnosed me with IBS-M. My current GI doesn't agree with the Dx and believes I have chronic constipation with overflow diarrhea and visceral hypersensitivity. It kind of seems like the saying, "Six of one kind, half a dozen of the other." I really can't treat both together, at least as far as I have been told. That's why I am trying to learn more about IBS and advocate for myself. My GI is great, but he's extremely busy with patients who are double-booked, and the clinic is short-staffed. I don't feel like I should take too much of his time when he's helping people with serious issues including cancer. (He never makes me feel that way, I just know his time is valuable and that IBS is "functional.&quot😉
1. Neilanjan ‘Neil’ Nandi, MD, FACP Moderator
 HI Jaeger91, the process of finding a good specialist is frustrating but I am glad you finally found a specialist you feel you can work with. It is difficult to find this fit but having that partnership and tandem focus on your health is critical to good care. It is good of you to be sensitive to your GI's time. However, your symptoms and how you feel are just as important as everyone else's in the clinic. Your understanding speaks to your own individual compassion for others. I am sure your GI would want to know if there was an ailment they could help ameliorate and I would encourage reaching out to them. Thank you for sharing your experience with us all.

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