I've always had IBS but didn't realize that it wasn't "normal" until I was an adult. I was always on the constipated side but learned to mediate it with peanuts and other roughage (if I ate a handful or 2 of nuts or some corn and bingo; back to a BR pattern!) I went to Scotland in 2019 and ate what I think was some undercooked scallops. I've had issues with intermittent sandy diarrhea, cramping and anorexia since. I've had a normal colonoscopy, normal lab work and tried 2 courses of Xifantin (an antibiotic, cost $750 a course). I had minor improvement (less days of diarrhea & cramps) but I don't plan anything for mornings and can count on 1-2 every 2 weeks or so with a day's worth of cramping, gas, diarrhea and anorexia. The other days are better, but not symptom free.

I avoid raw veggies, fiber and too much fruit & veg together in a day, but it remains unpredictable, and I have no idea what sets me off most days.

So far as I've known, I never had Covid, but it was brewing about the time I came home, and I was touring all over Scotland. But I CAN say, for me, it all started with the scallops.

I'm very glad I'm retired now and can run my day around my colon (mostly), but it does impede my activities.

I tried OTC bioflora replacements (which have little evidence that they work), fiber supplements and kept a food diary for a while, but it seemed to make little difference. It's hardly the end of the world (and I have lost a few pounds), but it is a PIA. In more ways than one.