New to IBS at 65 years old

I had my gallbladder removed last year in December and within 2 months lost 8kg and as I am small build only weighed 48kg anyway. To cut a long story short I had masses of tests to rule out anything like cancer. MRI scans, CT Scans with dye injected, endoscopy, colonoscopy, blood tests, 24 hr urine test. I was also suffering daily with terrible dizzy spells which would make me confused and sometimes affect my eye sight and balance. Driving or going out alone was a big no no. No nausea though. But i couldn't even walk straight when i had an attack.

By providing your email address, you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

IBS and epilepsy

My weight did not improve and I was bloating and having terrible nights of pain in my stomach, upper and lower and in my back with soft stools every morning. My mother died of pancreatic cancer and I was worried I may have the same. However, after 5 months of tests with a gastroenterologist and neurologist i was diagnosed with IBS C and also IBS D, and a mild form of epilepsy without the fits. I am slowly learning what food and drinks trigger the IBS. Its stressful and a long process.

What I would like to know is this, is the IBS and mild epilepsy connected? I am on a low dose of pills for the epilepsy and can go a few weeks without a dizzy spell but if I have an attack of IBS C i seem to get a day of dizzy spells, confusion and lightheadedness. My question is do I really have mild epilepsy or are the attacks of IBS causing the symptoms? I would be really interested to know if anyone else has the same as me.

Learning how to cope

Also, i am not yet putting on weight. Will I ever regain my weight with IBS or just accept I have to go and buy a whole new load of smaller clothes? Discovering this site has been a godsend to me and I thank everyone for their stories and experiences. I feel more confident I can cope with this new change in my life. I was terribly despondent about it all at first as I have never ever been ill or had surgery in my life before!

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The IrritableBowelSyndrome.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.