Doctor says Ive got IBS but Im not convinced.....

You are definitely NOT too old to go down the IBS route and from what I have read in here it dab happen at any age as read accounts from school girls to a 70 year old who had a recent diagnosis.

I think many in here know that obsessive feeling. I recently had a new job but felt the 15 mile journey was too far and too stressful so I am not there anymore.

I have had to give up alcohol despite being a very big red wine enthusiast and also miss my evening single malt. On the plus side I have been ill on fewer occasions so it is a trade off.

 

You're definitely not too old. Apparantly it is the most common cause of bowel problem in over 50 year olds. Have you tried the Low FODMAP diet?

Jan

I'm 43 and was diagnosed with IBS last year.  It took 3 and a half months and eight doctors to identify it.  I went through terrible anxiety and despair. All my tests were negative.  My symptoms are stomach pain, constipation and on off nausea.  I also had a bout of loose stools. I find Buscopan, painkillers, and milk help.  Stress triggered my IBS.  If all your tests are negative, IBS can be diagnosed.

From what I understand IBS can happen anytime from your 20s up to your 50s but I may be wrong.

Alcohol helped me go at one point and definitely made my stool loose so Idk but that might be normal.

If you dont want to wait a very long time, tell your doctor that or search for a gastro who takes your insurance. That's what I had to do because my doc didn't refer me at all.

IBS is still very very likely the cause here.

Hi

I greatly appreciate everyone's response.

Ive decided to go and see a gastro doctor privately as I cannot live like this anymore.  It's ruining my life and in turn, my family's life too.

It will probably cost about £2,000 but it's a necessity for my mental health.

I just wish, in hindsight, I had private medical insurance.

x

Hello,

Just thought Id update you lovely people.

I paid for a private colonoscopy today and it was fine!  I dont know what the fuss is about.

The dc foud a polyps and removed them.

He said I do have IBS.

Im so glad I had this test, especially having the polyps removed.

Im hopeing my symptoms diminish slightly now that I know I dont have bowel cancer.  The more i read about bowel cancer, the more my body seemed to sympathise with the symptoms.

x