IBS at my age?

[Annabelly]

I'm over 70, can I really have IBS for the first time?

[b1b1b1]

I believe you probably can, however you definately should see a gastroenterologist soon to rule out other things. There are other conditions that can masquerade as IBS, and especially as we get a bit older these things need to be checked.

[Annabelly in reply to b1b1b1]

Thanks, I talked my doctor about referring me but he said it was unnecessary

[Luisa22]

I was 64 when I first started with IBS. Then it was only sporadic, and went away for nearly 2 years before coming back early 2020 .

My doctor examined me, took some stool and blood tests and listened to me describe my symptoms, every detail. Every test came back normal and my general health checks were fine. Then he diagnosed me with IBS.

The low Fodmap diet has helped me a lot, and finding out foods and drinks that irritate the symptoms. Which has meant that a lot of things I could eat and drink my whole life , now I can't. But I adapted to it and it wasn't TOO bad. I can still eat pretty healthy, but have to be careful during those 'flare up' days, which mostly don't last that long when they happen.

But a lot of foods don't suit me any more. And there are drinks I can't have such as wine and beer etc.

Did your doctor give you and leaflets or advice about the low Fodmap diet?

Ideally it's best to have a dietician working with you, but not impossible to work this alone with lots of research.

I get times when I am completely normal. Those times can happen. And times when I am not really so bad, just a bit of bloating or wind first thing in the morning but otherwise okay. It's not all flare-ups. That could also happen to you. So don't give up hope.

[Annabelly in reply to Luisa22]

Thank you that helps alot. I'm trying to read everything so I can understand what is going on but I'm scared this is what the rest of my life will be like. I've had all the tests and all clear so yes this is it now. I'm sorry I'm being very self- pitying but it's just you live nearly all of your life without at least worrying about what you can eat and now on top of all the other things your body can't, won't already has there's this .....

You sound positive thank you, I had started the FODMAP , With the flare up I have lost 10lbs in 10 days, well no need to diet then!

Is this normal do you think.

Thank you so much for your reply, I have lots to learn

[Luisa22 in reply to Annabelly]

I know, Annabelly, I got exactly the same feelings. Really dismayed that suddenly my old 'food life' had been taken away from me, and not only that but an upset tummy so frequently.

I don't think you're being self pitying. It's a natural reaction to be upset when something so fundamental to our daily life isn't working properly.

And IBS isn't just a bit of a nuisance, it can be horrible sometimes.

Do you have IBS-D (diarrhea) or IBS-C (constipation) or IBS-M (mixed)?

I guess I have adapted as best as I can. I wish it would just go away forever and I could eat my bran flakes and fruit breakfast again which I had eaten every day for about 20 years...or a big raw salad or lentil stew. No I can't. But I can adapt to lessen symptoms.

I have a friend, a year or so younger than me who started with IBS about 18 years ago, and got it to 'go away' (in her own words) by sticking to the low Fodmap diet. Gradually she found it calmed her gut, and she could start to re-introduce some foods. It can come back for her, but usually when she's under extreme stress, or drinks a bit too much wine!

If I get a flare up, immediately I am strict with my food, and stick to the plainest bland foods for a day or two; something like hard boiled eggs. poached fish, white rice, ciabatta toast, and only a few greens like green beans, steamed nettle tops, or a couple of lettuce leaves. I have IBS-D, so need binding foods at those times. It steadies out in about 2-3 days, and I can also have periods when I am symptom free virtually. (normal bm's, good sleep, little or no bloating in lower tummy, not too much wind. etc)

Yes, it's probably quite normal that you found you lost 10lbs. Flare ups make it hard to eat much, and the way we feel puts us off food. Then probably not being able to eat the same amounts as usual, and trying low Fodmap which cuts out some foods. Plus if there's diarrhea, a lot is lost out of the body in a bad flare.

I found some things helped me. I tried Tormentil herbal tincture which I bought from A.Vogel. Peppermint tea, camomile tea, blackberry leaf and meadowsweet tea.

I have tried silicol gel, but not regularly, only once when I had a very bad flare. One thing I think might be slowly helping is homeopathy. I go to a practitioner.

There may be other things that help you such as some medications. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor.They are inclined to fob us off with IBS.

[BabsyWabsy in reply to Annabelly]

Hi Annabelly, I am a similar age to you. When I eventually got a GP to take my symptoms seriously, I was referred to a gastroenterologist, had a colonoscopy and received a diagnosis of microscopic colitis. This is only diagnosed by taking some biopsies of the colon wall and examining under a microscope. It is very common in 'older women'. I was prescribed a course of steroids which helped considerably with the symptoms. This was 2018, and by and large, I am still better than I was at dx. Over the years I have found ways to manage my condition. When you had all the tests, did this include a colonoscopy?

[Luisa22 in reply to BabsyWabsy]

That's true about microscopic colitis. It's impossible to discover it usually via Calprotectin levels, hidden bleeding or other stool tests. Usually it needs a colonoscopy with biopsy to tell.

These are the symptoms of microscopic colitis:

gutscharity.org.uk/advice-a...

I'd say anyone who has these kinds of symptoms should push their doctor for a referral to a specialist and a colonoscopy.

But it's possible it could have different symptoms I suppose. Things aren't always technically correct with our guts!

[BabsyWabsy in reply to Luisa22]

Thank you very much for this Luisa, I don't know why I have never seen this before. I fit this pattern perfectly. I have been on Omeprazole for years and take a daily 75mg aspirin. When I have a long term conditions review, they are only concerned with my asthma, not my IBD. I think it may be time to start asking questions.

[Angrybelly]

I got a weird type of ibs at 62, related to diverticulitis and the use of antibiotics to fight infection. Never been normal after in fact my GI doc said there's a progression among IBD and diverticulitis patients. You start with episodes of diverticulitis, you get treated with antibiotics which lead to IBS and if it continues for years you may develop pelvic floor problems such as intussuception, prolapse, dyssinergia etc. When someone tells you that ibs is a bening condition I say BS. There's a lot of harm if you have constant diarrhea and or constipation. This is a horrible progression that may lead to surgery or even a colostomy bag. Not to scare anybody but it's what has happened to me. I'm not sure if I'll even make it to 70.

[edwangy in reply to Angrybelly]

Did you have surgery?

[Angrybelly in reply to edwangy]

No

[edwangy in reply to Angrybelly]

Oh sorry, I thought you said it had happened to you

[SueCats]

I was about 66 when my symptoms started. I was back and forth to the toilet for a couple of hours morning and evening. I worried about leaving the house. Various oscopies ruled out the nasties. I too, was advised to follow the FODMAP diet. I did lose weight, but it has helped. I was prescribed Loperimide (an Imodium) which I only need to take very occasionally in the morning. Stress always makes my IBS worse. Some foods I now avoid, but others I can eat in small quantities.