Is IBS a condition or weakness that remains with a person throughout life?
Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2021 5:18 pm
s IBS a condition or weakness that remains with a person throughout life?
I was diagnosed with IBS 30 years ago and forgot about it when life got calmer. Occasionally I'd have an upset stomach (generally diarrhoea), take a couple of tablets and it would pass. A couple of years ago I noticed that IBS was still listed as current / ongoing on my medical record and thought it was an error as I'd never mentioned it beyond the episodes 30 years ago.
However in the past year I went to the GP with a persistent cough at night and she thought it was acid stomach and put me on omeprazole. Now I actually have some acid stomach symptoms and frequent bouts of diarrhoea. The GP ordered a range of blood and stool tests and nothing showed up. The GP then suggested an endoscopy, which I am reluctant to have.
So my next question, if you are able to answer it is:
Q. How do you know when IBS/bowel problems may be a sign of something more serious and an endoscopy is advisable?
I am currently on 10mg omeprazole at night and Peptobismol (or Peptac) if feeling sick or acid stomach at other times, plus occasionally 1 or 2 Immodium tablets (from pharmacy) when I get diarrhoea. (That usually stops it). Aside from this I am generally in good health, eat healthy home cooked foods and exercise regularly.
I was diagnosed with IBS 30 years ago and forgot about it when life got calmer. Occasionally I'd have an upset stomach (generally diarrhoea), take a couple of tablets and it would pass. A couple of years ago I noticed that IBS was still listed as current / ongoing on my medical record and thought it was an error as I'd never mentioned it beyond the episodes 30 years ago.
However in the past year I went to the GP with a persistent cough at night and she thought it was acid stomach and put me on omeprazole. Now I actually have some acid stomach symptoms and frequent bouts of diarrhoea. The GP ordered a range of blood and stool tests and nothing showed up. The GP then suggested an endoscopy, which I am reluctant to have.
So my next question, if you are able to answer it is:
Q. How do you know when IBS/bowel problems may be a sign of something more serious and an endoscopy is advisable?
I am currently on 10mg omeprazole at night and Peptobismol (or Peptac) if feeling sick or acid stomach at other times, plus occasionally 1 or 2 Immodium tablets (from pharmacy) when I get diarrhoea. (That usually stops it). Aside from this I am generally in good health, eat healthy home cooked foods and exercise regularly.