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Aging and IBS-D


gmilbry

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I’ve suffered from IBS-D for over 20 years but the past year has been really bad,no real relief as was usual for me. I am used to flare ups but they usually resolved after a few days-not so lately,it’s ongoing.I’ve had a colonoscopy and nothing unusual showed up,nothing has really helped that usually did and I’m wondering if anybody else is experiencing the same thing,I’ve also noticed that it’s more troublesome when the weather changes.I’m so tired of the bubble gut,excess gas and bloating!!!

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  • 4 weeks later...

I’m so sorry your IBS is worse. I have had only troublesome IBS since about 55 yrs of age- so about 8 yrs now. I have an appt with a clinical nutritionist soon who I hope will help me plan how I can eat without making me miserable. I am an avid cook and used to be a foodie. it seems the list of foods i can eat is getting shorter and shorter. It has sapped much of the joy from my life. And taken countless productive days out of my life. I am very well read about IBS so have been doing alot of what is recommended.  It I have never recruited the help of a nutritionist to stidy my food diary and symptoms. Is this something worth trying for you too? Wishing you well!

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Hi Gmilbry, i am 64 now and have suffered with IBS for over 15 years now. I was diagnosed years ago but there was no treatment for it so i just did what you're doing...lived with the pain, embarrassment, etc. After being diagnosed with SIBO and treated multiple times with antibiotics, with intermittent relief, I was referred to the head of the GI department and he prescribed Alostren. I've been on for about a year and a half now. It has helped tremendously. Before using this drug I tried the FODMAP diet as well as eating only white rice and broth with no relief. Granted my case is pretty severe and not everyone will qualify for this medication. 

Maybe ask your doctor about it. 

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A colonoscopy ruled out anything abnormal, I hate to say this but I was kinda hoping something would show up so that I could be treated,I’m so tired of this.

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Well, I'm happy for you that the test was normal but also understand the want of a clear and repairable diagnosis.  If I was to be honest I would have to say that you're in for some unhappy reality. It's been my experiance that you just have to try everthing you can find until something works. Hound your doctor until you feel heard too. Try everything you can; diet, meds, exercise, every thing. I find hot water bottles on my abdomen help a lot and quiet time by myself is helpful too. 

Good luck and I wish you well.

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When I was reading your post, I thought did I write this.  I am turning 65 in June and I have been having the worst bout of IBS D, in my life.  I am at my wits end. I just finished two weeks three times a day of a prescription drug that was supposed to help me. It has done nothing. It actually made me feel worse. I’m eliminating certain foods, but that hasn’t helped at all. I would give anything to feel better it is making my life miserable. I didn’t like where I lived before and now I hate it even more.  I think if I felt better I would also feel better about where I live and not let everything bother me as much.  I’m usually an active person, but sometimes it’s even hard to do my cardio in the morning anyone out there with any kind of suggestion or any new findings? I am so so open to this

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I’m learning to live with the changes of IBS-D and it’s not easy, I just wonder why has it changed and the doctor doesn’t have a clue so with much prayer and Imodium I just keep going,my husband passed 13 years ago and about 2 years ago I began to think about dating but now I’ve changed my mind because I don’t want any man listening to my bubble gut,gas and all the things that come with this disorder 🥲

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  • 1 month later...

Replying to G Milbry's post.  I am in your exact situation right now. Severe IBS-D with no relief. Also, a recent widow who has thought about dating at some point in my future.  I know that is not an option with my issues.  Also traveling with other females and sharing lodging/rooms scares me because of my issues.  After 3 GI docs, I was finally prescribed some meds that worked for me for over 3 months, and I was ecstatic.  I thought I had found the miracle cure, but I am starting to have some issues again and I am devastated. I just wanted you to know that you are not alone. (As I am sure know!) 

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On 4/4/2023 at 8:16 AM, Stasia said:

I’m so sorry your IBS is worse. I have had only troublesome IBS since about 55 yrs of age- so about 8 yrs now. I have an appt with a clinical nutritionist soon who I hope will help me plan how I can eat without making me miserable. I am an avid cook and used to be a foodie. it seems the list of foods i can eat is getting shorter and shorter. It has sapped much of the joy from my life. And taken countless productive days out of my life. I am very well read about IBS so have been doing alot of what is recommended.  It I have never recruited the help of a nutritionist to stidy my food diary and symptoms. Is this something worth trying for you too? Wishing you well!

I went to my allergist and asked what foods I might be allergic to considering all my allergies. I cannot eat dairy, red meat, soy, wheat and a host of other foods that my gut doesn’t like. I learned that the FODMAP diet is very good for me. Hang in there. It keeps my feet on the ground or my bum on the toilet.  

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  • 3 months later...

I'm sorry to hear so many people are suffering from diarrhea.

I have had similar experience to Renee.  The FODMAP diet works pretty well. They say it's supposed to be temporary and

then you decide which of the foods you can tolerate and add them back. that makes sense because say, lentils or a small amount

of broccoli, can be tolerated. I have to remember smaller portions. I tend to serve myself large portions and then I do get gas.

If I have an appt next day, no cruciferous foods for me!  

I have to bring my food with me to the Senior Center because they put too much oil in the foods.  And they serve so much meat.

very important to write down a meal plan for each day!

good luck!

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Im beginning to think there is no cure, no answer for help. Trial and Error seems to be what we do but even that is temporary. I hope we all find comfort and ways to cope with it. Maybe even a day we look back and say "Im so glad it was just a phase in my life and its gone now"

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It’s just a horrible disorder because you just never know when it’s going to flare up.I’m going through almost a month of IBS-D and my doctor really doesn’t understand it,sometimes I think she thinks I’m exaggerating!!!! Even my GI don’t seem to really understand it 🙁

Edited by gmilbry
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