I am 70 and collect afflictions as well. Idiopathic epilepsy for 50 years (I'm at very low dose: 75 mcg/day extended release Keppra). Regarding the first post, if she was on Dilantin (phenytoin), that can increase ferritin (iron buildup in organs) because it is metabolized by the liver. Keppra mostly slaps the kidneys around a bit. My hypothyroidism is for 20 years, no telling why, but do battle it out with my PCD over TSH levels (more energy and better weight control at 1, she prefers closer to 3). I have collagenous colitis, a brand of microscopic colitis that laneyh (@laneyh) has; it is likely tied to the celiac that I have had for 15 years. Going off gluten was enough to control the celiac (genetic, it was triggered by H1N1 and stress), but my colitis flares happen with elevated stress, legumes, NSAIDs, ACE II, Statins, and who know what else. It is important to keep a food diary to track down triggers. I also have MGUS, but it hasn't caused me problems yet. I try to manage the herd of afflictions with diet, exercise, enough sleep, fun stuff, and managing stress.