Can IBS start at 50?
#309502 - 06/21/07 07:47 AM
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I am the new kid on the block. For the last 3 months I have been experiencing most of the IBS with the big "D" symptoms. My doctor said it "must" be IBS. Colonoscopy last year said everything looked great. Can IBS start when you are 50? I am having to live on Bentyl at the moment. I will start the soluble diet tomorrow. Please, anyones thoughts!
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It can, but it's not usual to get IBS at that age. Even though you had a colonoscopy last year, with these sudden and new symptoms, I'd ask for another one or even just a sigmoidoscopy and blood work.
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I just love the "Gee it must be IBS" line that doctors give when they can't diagnose anything else. We've all been told that but quite frankly on a positive note, after you've had all the tests that you can possibly have I guess it's kind of good that it isn't anything more serious. You should have more tests though than just a colonoscopy. I'm one of those IBS'rs that have D and am affected with flare ups around my period an ovulation so I'm convinced that it's aggrevated by hormones and it could be that being 50 your hormones are getting all out of whack too!
Do what we all do and don't give up. Ask your doc, NO, DEMAND that your doc do more tests and take you more seriously than "gee it must be IBS".
Good luck and Oh, Welcome!!!
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~~~Lisa~~~
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Anything's possible. With any dramatic change in body function, you should see a doc and have things checked out. You can print off the info on this page and take it with you to your doc when you go.
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If you're not dead, you've still got time.
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Mine started at 45 so it's possible but there were specific triggering factors for me, mostly chemo and antibiotics. I agree with the other posters - make sure you've had all the tests Heather recommends before getting a diagnosis. In the meantime, do try Heather's dietary approach - it can't hurt.
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[Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]
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It is my understanding, that for some people, some digestion problems can be brought on by food sensitivities, even manifested later in life, such as wheat, sugar, yeast and dairy. My suggestion, and one that worked for me, is to eliminate these foods from your diet for a few weeks, and gradually add one at a time back and see if you get worsening symptoms. That would be an indication which foods may be causing your symptoms. I'll bet if you eliminate these, that within a week you will a positive response. Many people have had their lives turned around when they realize what they eat is contributing to their misery. That doesn't mean one can never eat those foods again, but that they will have to eat them in moderation. Do you love bread, pasta, refined sugar (sweets)? Could be an indicator.
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Hi - I always wonder when someone complains of IBS symptoms if they have been tested for CELIAC DISEASE. I don't know why docs are so resistant to testing for Celiac as it is profoundly underdiagnosed in our country. My husband is an MD and was diagnosed with Celiac about 10 years ago. It is always good to rule this disease out which can, at times be silent and at other times be almost identical in symptoms to IBS. (Celiac disease is an allergic reaction to gluten in wheat, rye, barley and oats) Just a thougt from an old nurse!
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Mine started when I was 59 & I'm 75 now. Thank goodness for Heathers help!
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I have been doing lots of online research on this because of recent menopausal symptoms I'm having. I did read online last night that it is rare to see IBS at age 50 and older....mainly because of a decrease in women's hormones at this age. I will look for the article that I read and see if I can find it ...and will pass it on to you.
I would make sure the doctors have explored all other options before settling on an IBS diagnosis.
Hope this helps!
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