Newbie intro and advice wanted

Hi there am a forum newbie. 45 year old male with 20 odd year history of frequent bouts of diarrhea and frequent (6+) stools a day. Symptoms have got progressively worse over the last 18 months and now an urgent need to go after eating anything unusual (not good as I travel extensively for work) seems to be a more and more regular occurrence.

Over the years many GPs have simply diagnosed IBS and told me to cut out various things like gluten, caffeine, dairy but none have changed the symptoms. In 2011 one GP me for a colonoscopy after I developed a fistula. The fistula was operated on but the colonoscopy results were inconclusive as despite drinking a gallon of laxative my bowel wasn’t clean! I went back to my normal (frequent loo trips again) and carried on until recently.

A couple of weeks ago i went to the doctor in agony after trying to pass a stool. I found lump down there and thought it needed checking. The GP thought i had the start of another fistula, dosed me up on antibiotics and referred me to a surgeon to get it checked properly.

Surgeon has me scheduled for another colonoscopy and in the meantime has sent me to see a different GP because of the pain and a couple of messy mucus and bloody events.

This GP has started talking about possible bile acid malabsorption and has started me on a course of Questran. He’s also talking about Crohns and Ulcerative Colitis even though I have been tested for both previously becuase I have a sister who has the former and another sister who suffers from IBS-D

I’ve been taking the Questran for 2 days and noticed that my stool is much firmer but it is painful to pass (feels like the muscles are tearing). Also noticed it smells more and I am shattered tired and cant concentrate for long periods.

Has anybody else got experience of taking Questran?

Thanks

[Maureen1958]

Hi, didn't answer your question sooner as I thought someone more knowledgable would answer. I was tested for bile acid malabsorption but they said I didn't have it, but I know a little about it as my cousin has it. I believe the Questran is a powder, so how about using a little less so that your stool is not quite so firm.

[Whitesugar]

Hi. I started Questran (1 sachet per day in the evening) last July, after 40 + years of unpredictable diarrhoea several times per week, always labelled as IBS. I had various tests under a gastroenterologist and when everything was negative he put me on Questran. It can make you a bit constipated so be careful to drink enough and ensure your diet includes enough veg. Could you play about with the time of day you take it or maybe take half a sachet? It has certainly changed my life, but it sounds as though you have had a complicated time with your bowel. You are lucky to have a GP who has heard of Bile Acid Diarhhoea (BAD)! Good luck

[Hidden in reply to Whitesugar]

Thank you all for your replies. I agree, having a doctor who is willing to try something new is great. I wasn't sure what to expect taking Questran and have been surprised by some of the side effects. Stomach ache, loss of appetite and still having 6+ stools a day (just firmer but loads of mucus/fat in them.). Will let you all know how I get on.