I def agree it is a quality of life issue. Stress that. Tell your new doc that:
1. You're being proactive about your condition, seeking support and help in the IBS community.
2. You have researched and talked to knowledgable experts about IBS and the causes and triggers, as well as seeking out ways to make yourself stable.
3. You have identified your triggers, both the food triggers and the stress ones. Make a list, and show it if you're asked or it's relevant.
4. Let your doctor know that you are ready to rule out other conditions by having the standard tests: upper and lower gI, colonoscopy, and sigmoidoscopy.
5. Ask for long-term pain management, if you are pain pre-dominant.
6. Describe your attacks. Make it clear if you're C or D. Write down beforehand what the symptoms of your attacks are (a list), how long they last, how they make you feel, the frequency of your attacks, if they're getting better or worse, and specifically What Happens to You During an Attack. Run the doc through it. You need to know the doc is a patient listener, and is interested in your case. If he's not interested in treating you as a whole human being (and not just a clinical case) get another doc. It is IMPORTANT to your life that you find a good doc. You deserve it, and there are some bad ones out there!!!!!!
Daliatree, I'm so happy you're getting the tests. This is sooo Rest of Your Life, and it's starting now!! Post back and let us know how it goes!! 
~nelly~
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Re: A new gastroenterologist - Help please
