IBS help needed.

[Ghostfox45]

hi all ,im having problems with explosive runny stools and stomach pain, doctors have not been much help. Im in my late 70s and this is really getting me down. I've been trying to calm it down with a bland diet ,it's not working. Any advice would be very welcome. I am new on here.

[b1b1b1]

you should be seeing a good gastroenterologist. You need have stool tests for bacterial illnesses and parasites, for a start.

[Luisa22]

When you say doctors aren't much help, what do you mean? That they won't give you any tests, or that they have already tested for things and found everything normal, and have just dismissed you with an IBS diagnosis?

Or maybe if you are in the UK, it's been difficult to impossible to get an appointment with a GP?

They have a duty of care. The very first basic thing the GP should be doing is a couple of stool tests. They should give you a simple kit, to take your sample, then send it to the lab, Depending on results further tests might be needed or referral to a specialist. Or if nothing is found, maybe not, But still, they should do that and a blood test first of all.

If your doctor can't be bothered with you then that is disgusting. Change doctors or clinic and get someone who will help.

[BabsyWabsy in reply to Luisa22]

In UK, they do not do calprotectin after the age of 60 because the theory goes that you will, by that age, have a degree of inflammation anyway. A young GP asked me to provide a sample for calprotectin, which measures inflammation. He was very surprised when it was rejected, so was I, but we both learned from it I guess.

[Luisa22 in reply to BabsyWabsy]

Oh, that's strange. In 2020 my doctor did a Calprotectin/lactoferrin test and a FIT test (stool sample tests) for me. I was a month off 67 in the summer of 2020 when the tests were done. He never mentioned that and I got the results ok. How weird. I hadn't heard of that before. Thanks for letting me know in case I go suggesting it to someone. I wonder if they have changed the way they do things fairly recently?

Anyway, I showed no inflammation.

[BabsyWabsy in reply to Luisa22]

My sample was sent off in good faith, in the appropriate test request envelope, and was rejected. Annoying. I was also 67 at the time. I was disappointed because I was hoping for answers, but on a more positive note, this did prompt a referral to a gastroenterologist.

[Tedsmum in reply to BabsyWabsy]

I live in the uk and I’ve had my calprotectin tested 3 or 4 times when my symptoms of Ibs and diverticulosis have been quite bad. They are an indicator of inflammation and my levels do go up. Though my diagnosis remains unchanged.

[Nothingimpossible]

Hi. I agree that you should have blood and stool tests. I had terrific pains and very runny stools for 10 days my GP put me on Famotidine. 1 taken at night for 8 weeks. These cured me and I make sure I have some at home incase of flare up. Not had another bout for quite a few months now. All bloods and poo tests came back normal. I am in my 70s . Hope you get sorted.

[Luisa22 in reply to Nothingimpossible]

I am glad that famotidine did such a good job for you. I suppose that is prescription only, and not OTC? I wouldn't mind some of that in case of a bad flare up. When one hits I am desperate for something that really helps. It only lasts 2 days max. but I hate it of course.

[Nothingimpossible in reply to Luisa22]

I'm not sure if you can buy over the counter. I wish you better

[xjrs]

If you are in the UK, your doctor must run some standard tests and give you a formal diagnosis - see info here:

nhs.uk/conditions/irritable...

If you are telling them about these symptoms and they are not running these tests, they are acting negligently.

[missymo]

sounds like IBS it’s awful🤢

[eliz45]

Hi. I am 77 and maybe 15 years ago I was diagnosed with IBS. Then in about 2015 I was diagnosed with celiac. Then in about 2020, I was diagnosed with microscopic colitis. A diagnosis of IBS is simply the label you are given when they have tested you and after much testing they can't identify any specific illness. So why not have a colonoscopy and a test for allergens like gluten and lactose. The colonoscopy is the only test for colitis and the allergen tests would tell you if you have celiac or lactose intolerance or other possibilities. Colitis has only gotten attention in the last decades so most doctors don't even look for it and can't tell unless you have a colonoscopy with a biopsy. They can't see it. But it is becoming a very common diagnosis. I hope you find the help you need. This is a great site for getting ideas and help. Good luck.

[misty943]

Hi I was the same. Had a stool sample done and it was normal but the blood test showed low folic acid and I have been put on a tablet for that and it seems to be helping as it helps with the intestines. I hope you get sorted 🥰