If I'm having a consultation with my doctor about my IBS, what are some things I should prepare to tell them to help them understand my situation better?

When you go to your doctor because of IBS, it's very important that you know what your symptoms are, and are able to describe your symptoms in detail. For example, you need to be able to tell the doctor when the specific symptoms started, how long they have lasted, whether it comes and goes, what makes it better, and what makes it worse. You need to tell your doctor if any of your symptoms are related to eating, and if so which foods make your symptoms better and which foods make your symptoms worse. You'll also need to tell your doctor if there are any warning signs of diseases other than IBS, including blood in your stool, unintentional weight loss or nausea or vomiting, or uncontrollable diarrhea because that would indicate that you do not have IBS and you do have something more serious.