Hello,
I’m curious. I had mononucleosis (EBV) age 16. I was diagnosed with MS age 49. I am 59 now and was diagnosed with PA over 2 mo. ago. Here’s my question, I’ve had IBS since I was a teenager, and still struggle with it. Is there any connection in all this? I’m experiencing a major flair up with my IBS-C and was just wondering.
Thank you
Not sure that the mononucleosis fits into PA and MS but both PA and MS are auto-immune disorders and those tend to come in clusters, ie if you have one you are likely to have more than one. It is also possible that MS may be a misdiagnosis of PA.PA is an auto-immune disorder of the gut which attacks the mechamisms in the ileum that allow you to absorb B12 resulting in a deficiency - because of the way B12 is usually stored in the liver and this attack can take years to really affect absorption the symptoms of B12 deficiency can take years or even decades to develop.
One consequence of PA which may affect IBS is that it destroys the cells that produce stomach acidity playing havoc with digestion so many find it useful to take something acidic to help with digestion.
Good morning, thank you for your reply. I will see what I can take to help my stomach acidity. I’ll also research mechanisms of the ileum. So one auto immune disease invites another, and another?
unfortunately multiple auto-immune conditions is the norm
Sorry, not an answer to IBS.
Have you seen the recent research which claims EBV as a cause of MS? This article provides a starting point for reading.
Study suggests Epstein-Barr virus may cause multiple sclerosis
At a Glance
Infection with Epstein-Barr virus dramatically increased the odds of developing multiple sclerosis.
The finding suggests that vaccines against the virus could help prevent multiple sclerosis.
nih.gov/news-events/nih-res...
And IBS-C suggests that you should at least have a thyroid test - even if you had one in the past.
Good morning,Yes, I just recently read that article. I wish we had progressed to a vaccine much earlier. I would’ve had it.
Good idea to get my thyroid checked again . Over 2 years ago I had a thyroid ultrasound that showed benign nodules. But haven’t had thyroid checked in awhile. Thanks
Just a TSH test is not enough. I'd want at least Free T4 and Free T3, as well.
I had IBS (very prevalent gene in my family), EBV at 24 then diabetes 6 months later which waned then B12 deficiency at 48.
I had mono or cmv, they weren't sure which, then IBS, which resulted in diverticulitis, then developed peripheral neuropathy. I think they are all related to virus. Call it long haul cmv. My b12 was always around 300.
Thanks for your reply. I don’t believe I’ve had any CMV. Very interesting. My b12 level 220. Now that I’m on b12 injections we’ll recheck in Sept and see if there’s improvement.
Hi I also had mono at 12 pa at 39 and ibs symptoms since childhood..
However my ibs symptoms were horrible at time of pa diagnosis and thanks to this group I learned to advocate for myself and went to a gi doctor. They did colonoscopy and endoscopy and found four polyps. My ibs dramatically got better.
I read the ebv Ms link recently.
Wish you all the best!
Good morning Bloominflower,It is also time for a colonoscopy for me. I turn 60 next week. My colonoscopy at age 50 showed a couple of polyps that were then removed. I have moved into my IBS flair now waning finally. Now that IBS flare is behind me I am so much better now.. I also read the article, and I agree it’s time to see a GI Dr.
Thank you
Hello Amethyst82bu, I developed total fatigue, which was initially written off as post viral chronic fatigue. Subsequent investigation revealed an Atypical Epstein Barr viral infection. Told I’d be fine in 18 months. I wasn’t. Gut problems were dismissed as IBS. Treated for hypothyroidism. My health only improved after a diagnosis (some 10 years later) and treatment for Pernicious Anaemia. My takeaway from all the foregoing; somehow I believe they are all linked. I think cutting down on gluten helped my bowel problems but I find it very hard to be consistent even though I think totally avoiding gluten and possibly cutting down on fats helped a lot. I hope some of this helps you in some way. I do hope the B12 injections give you a lot of relief. Take care and be well.😃
Pa
PA 
PA with no antibodies?
Pa 
