I'm 66 and began in September with what I thought was a tummy bug - although I had had 'off' days
before this when I had to rush to the toilet and felt unwell. The excess wind, extremely frequent
bowel motions with urgency (including a lot of mucus) and generally feeling unwell continued for
about six weeks. Because of my age, my GP referred me to the hospital. He thought my problem
might be Diverticular Disease. The doctor there prescribed Creon to help with my digestion (I had
my gall bladder removed three years ago) and organised a colonoscopy. I've just had the
colonoscopy today and everything is clear. I know this is good news, but I'm now left wondering
what was/is wrong. The consultant who performed the colonoscopy said my symptoms were
probably the result of an IBS type of disease and has referred me back to my GP. Is IBS possible? Would an IBS flare last so long? I'd be grateful for any advice before I go back to my GP for a chat.
I've just had the same - had a sigmoidoscopy and all perfect. Thought at 62 could not get IBS but today given Fybogel and Mebeverine (together). The information leaflet says this medication is for the treatment of IBS - IBS, no other illnesses mentioned. Doctor, however, did not say IBS. Que????
Thanks for getting back to me, Lets. I've been making a list of questions to ask my doctor next week, so it's interesting to see what you've been prescribed. On thinking back, I may have had bowel problems for some time - particularly sometimes needing to rush to the toilet after a meal and cramps that could bring me to a standstill - but, I'm afraid I just thought it was one of those things. I hadn't realised that a flare-up of IBS (if that's what it was) could make one feel so unwell. I hope your medication improves things for you. Did your doctor ask you to go back to monitor your condition, or is your medication on repeat? I think it would be worth talking to him/her about it - at least so that you have a definite diagnosis. Take care.
I think maybe he didn't say IBS because there's an outside chance it could be Diverticulits (which happens at our age!!!).. But I am not going to stress about it because the Fybogel/Mebeverine is the treatment for that as well. I have been prescribed on repeat so I'll just keep taking them. Not sure I'm totally bothered about a definite diagnoses because I think that would mean me going for another awful test. Best avoided methinks. Got to say after the initial diarrhoea I have gone back to normal, but I have had some very unwell times.