I had what I was classed as ibs for years, then my bowel burst, only 30. Ended up in hospital for 6 weeks, the whole bowel was removed. 11 years on... Still have to have regular bum cams, suffer dumping syndrome, toilet 6+ times a day, chronic gut rot. Though that's nothing to what you're going through and been through.
People do need to be more aware of changes in toilet habits, because before you know it, it could prove irreversible.