Don't Try To Guess Your Diagnosis
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Charliejeane Cooke
(Self-diagnosis is like tinkering with your car blindfolded. You might restart the engine, but the risks outweigh the rewards"
(Charliejeane)
DON'T Try To Guess Your Diagnosis! Don't self-diagnose.
So often I come across people asking about symptoms, like...
🤔 "Is thirst a sign of IBS?"
🤔 "Does IBS cause weight loss?"
🤔 "Does IBS cause nausea?"
🤔 "I've got diarrhoea and bloating so it must be IBS?"
These are all great questions.
And I can totally understand why people would want answers to these.
Here's the thing...
Context Is Everything
These questions can't get straight answers.
An isolated symptom, such as thirst or weight loss, doesn't DIRECTLY pinpoint to IBS.
Because thirst / weight loss / nausea / any other sign or symptom on its own, without any CONTEXT doesn't really mean anything.
Although, these signs and symptoms could be INDIRECTLY linked to IBS, for instance...
💩 Someone suffering with bad diarrhoea and not replacing lost fluids can lead to thirst,
📉 Weight loss could be due to someone avoiding foods in an attempt to improve symptoms,
... or, due to some other health condition (of which, there are many that can lead to weight loss).
🤢 While nausea can be a symptom of IBS, it could also be due to other conditions.
Therefore,
... Without any CONTEXT,
... Without knowing your PERSONAL clinical situation,
... Without talking to you and asking you questions and finding out more information, without doing any assessments, tests or examinations, even a medical doctor couldn't tell you for sure the cause of your symptoms!
If you do experience any symptoms or anything unusual for you (even if you do have IBS), the best person to ask would be your medical doctor who can investigate ✅
And don't worry about telling them things you think aren't linked, because for all you know, this may be a crucial piece of information that helps them decide what tests or investigations to do, or pinpoint your diagnosis.
I'm not usually one for labelling things, but knowing exactly what you're dealing with makes a world of difference.
It cuts down on the whole guessing game, because although different gut conditions can have similar symptoms, their treatment can be totally different.
So once you've got a diagnosis, you can then get the right person to help you manage it. Someone who specialises in that particular condition.
Because you wouldn't go to a heart specialist for your knee injury. Or get the plumber to fix your Mercedes.
Right job for the right person.
👉 If diet forms a part, or all of the management for [fill in the blank] condition, then your doctor can tell you this, but they CAN'T directly help you with it (or have the time).
Whereas...
👉 ...A Dietitian can. And they're the ONLY health professional that can do this (in the UK, and many other countries too).
"Dietitians are qualified and regulated health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems at an individual and wider public-health level" (BDA, 2023).
What about a nutritionist?
📌 A Nutritionist can help you with food and general health - NOT with dietary management of medical and health conditions (including IBS)...
... Well, they could, but they're not meant to and they're not trained to do it either... And if they were trained in this, they'd be Dietitians!
❗️Important point to note: Some "Nutritionists" only complete ONE week of training (if that)! 😲
Oh, and get this... ANYONE can call themselves a "nutritionist", "diet expert", even a "guru", or whatever fancy title they like — at least in the UK and many other places.
The only title they can't just grab? "Dietitian".
And on top of that... "Nutritionists", or whatever title they've decided to give themselves (!), can do this without any legit qualifications. Whhattt?! I know, crazy, eh?
What's the problem with this?
⚠️ They can inadvertently RISK your health and wellbeing ⚠️
... On top of NOT getting you the outcome you're after.
So be savvy with who you choose to help you 👍
n the complex maze of IBS, it's wise to prioritise professional expertise over assumptions. After all, when it comes to your health, it's always better to be safe than sorry.
The internet is a minefield of misinformation, especially when it comes to health.
Self-diagnosing IBS can lead to misguided assumptions and ineffective management.
Join me on YouTube as we delve into the nitty-gritty of IBS diagnosis. We'll bust myths, arm you with knowledge, and discuss warning signs that demand attention ❗️
Want to get a diagnosis right first time?
CharlieJeane Cooke, MSc
Men's IBS & Performance Dietitian
Meet CharlieJeane, Elite Performance Dietitian and IBS Expert.
As a former soldier, she's combined military precision with clinical expertise to transform lives worldwide.
Her proven system helps ambitious professional men overcome IBS to unlock their peak potential and reclaim their freedom, energy, and confidence - without restrictive diets or endless supplements.
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