Worried about how awful IBS will feel in old age :(

[Lottaberry]

Female, mid-20s.. with IBS-D.. obviously by now, after having it nearly 10 years, I kinda know what triggers it but there's quite a lot that does and it varies as time goes by and of course, emotions/stress can have a big impact too and can't always be reduced..

I dread to think how awful IBS will feel in old age (the bloating, wind, diarrhea etc as old age will already reduce digestive power and would be frail in other ways too...

Anyone 50/60+ with IBS, how do you cope?

Thank you BearFoxBear for the reply.

I have a referral to gastroenterology but thats not until June. I also have an appointment booked for private allergy testing on Friday. I just can’t seem to find any particular triggers so I am very much hoping this is going to give me some answers.

I am desperately shy and embarrassed about all things toilet related so suffering with this is torture. I’m so terrified of accidents and brave the outside world with Imodium. Sometimes it’s the only way I dare leave the house.

Anyone else who suffers through this has my upmost sympathy.

You're welcome.

I think it's difficult to pinpoint the issue when everything seems to affect you. I was able to eat gluten when pregnant, but the problem came back after I gave birth and at that point it seemed like everything made me ill. Going back to gf means that very little upsets me now.

You'll get there, it's just awful while you're trying.

@OP, I suffered terribly from the age of 16 with IBS and only discovered I was a Coeliac at 29! I was literally vomiting after every evening meal. I was treated for reflux and stomach ulcers in that time. After doing a lot of research I went to the GP armed and told them my findings. I now eat a GF diet and it’s much much better! I still have hormonal IBS and constipation (because I lack fibre in my diet I am guessing). But the 6 month pregnant looking bloat is gone! Also my stomach used to be so loud it used to wake DH up at night! If you haven’t tried going GF you should!

BearFoxBear

Yes funnily enough it’s following pregnancy with my 3rd baby that seems to have kicked things off.

I think I was mildly IBS-C prior but absolutely IBS-D since youngest DD’s birth almost 18 months ago.

I’ve had 2 days off work including today this week as I’ve just been unable to leave the house.

I am very very much hoping this allergy testing next Friday can give me some answers so I can at least start to manage my diet. So far all I’ve figured out is no wholewheat breads/pasta, no veg or salad, no wine, no fruit, no oats.

After the last 2 days I would quiet gladly never eat again if I didn’t have to

The FODMAP diet is the key.

I’m 46 and have had IBS for over 20 years. I’ve had good years and bad years. IBS is such an individual thing different things cause it for different people, some do great on gf and diary free diets, others in the Low FODMAP diet or stress reduction techniques etc. I have tried virtually everything and thrown lots of money at it but still have flare ups. I think hormones and stress play a big role for me (completely free of symptoms during pregnancies and much better when on holidays!).
Bit sad that you see your 50’s as ‘old age’, makes me feel ancient 😆

Sorry, that didn’t read right. Meant to say that there are different causes and different symptoms for different people (if that makes sense?).