[d4a1]

11 years ago I had about 5" of my lower sigmoid colon removed - had 6 weeks of radiation - radiation caused 2nd burns to my anus area. I'm a survivor - had 5 colonoscopies in the last 9 years - all clear ... but my bowel habits changed - I now know that my gastrocolic relfex can be much more active and I have IBS-A ... my wife died 10 years ago and I've been single since. In general my anxiety level has increased over the years, after retirement ... and I know that anxiety, for me, can cause IBS to happen. I take hyoscyamine for the reflex and it works.I'm a single, caucasian male, 74 years old, excellent physical condition - workout 6 days per week.Anybody had similar experiences?Thanks

 

[Kathleen M.]

Surgical trauma can do it. I imagine the damage from radiation could as well, but no idea how you could tell which is which or what part is from which thing.

 

[TanaG]

My aunt had breast cancer over 15 years ago. She also started to have IBS symptoms after radiations and chemo-therapy so yes I believe it's more than possible that you have problems because of the same thing.