When Bowel Habits Change but Tests Are Normal: What’s Really Happening
If your bowel habits have changed but your tests are “normal,” it can feel confusing — even frightening.
But for IBS and other DGBIs, normal tests are expected.
Symptoms come from function, not structure.
Tests Look at Structure — Not Communication
Medical tests check for:
- inflammation
- obstruction
- infection
- cancer
- structural damage
They cannot see:
- motility changes
- sensory hypersensitivity
- gut–brain miscommunication
- stress physiology
- abdominal wall tension
- autonomic imbalance
- nervous system overload
THIS is where IBS lives.
Why Symptoms Still Feel So Real
Because IBS arises from:
- altered gut signalling
- amplified sensory pathways
- disrupted motility
- reactive stress responses
- physical tension
- nervous system fatigue
You can feel very unwell even with pristine imaging.
The Emotional Impact of “Normal Tests”
Many patients think:
- “Did they miss something?”
- “Why do I still feel terrible?”
- “Is this in my head?”
No.
Your symptoms are real — they come from a sensitive system that imaging cannot see.
This is good news.
It means nothing dangerous is happening.
How TTC Helps When Tests Are Normal
We look at:
- patterns
- timing
- triggers
- load
- motility rhythm
- sensitivity levels
- stress physiology
Tests tell us what’s not happening.
Your story tells us what is happening.
And that’s how we build the right plan.
