SeHCAT Test

[Houseofpain]

Not having an easy time and phoned doctor and ended up getting a callback from unknown emergency doc. I mentioned my SeHCAT test for Bile Acid Malabsorption regrading that I wasn't sure of the results. He told me that my bile salts aren't absorbing properly but could't tell me much more. Any advice? aside from 'googling it' which I will...

[sweetsusie]

Have your doctor prescribe one of these 3 meds....they all stop diarrhea in its ugly tracks! Welchol, Colestipol, and/or Questran. Wonder drugs....Welchol and Colestipol are used along with a statin to lower cholesterol (which I do not have...so they won't effect it that much), and Type II diabetes...BUT, they are also used for chronic diarrhea!!!! Most doctors don't even know this..I had to research it myself, then suggest to my doctor to prescribe Welchol. He was happy to do that and it worked miracles. Switch to Colestipol because WElchol is pretty expensive over here in the States...Colestipol work just as well!! Good luck!

[sweetsusie in reply to sweetsusie]

Oh...I guess I should've mentioned that these drugs are also used TO TREAT BILE ACID MALABSORBTION...THEY ARE CALLED "BILE ACID SEQUESTRANTS."

[Houseofpain in reply to sweetsusie]

Thanks for the message. Saw doc today - she won't be prescribing anything until we hear back from gastroenterology crew....

[sweetsusie in reply to Houseofpain]

Wow...sorry to hear that..I think that is ridiculous, but then, that's just my humble opinion...

[Houseofpain in reply to sweetsusie]

Well I think it's just protocol - she's written to them and then they will tell her/me what I need and it will be prescribed to me from therein.. I did ask if ether is anything I can take in the meantime, but she said nope...

i take Omeprazole ( I think) was on Lansoprazole in the morning but I don't think its helping and I take loperamide as and when . Doc said I would be able to cut both and try the new thing exclusively once I get it..

I just seem to be fasting a lot due to bad IBS and pain and then I eat loads in the evening which refutes the point of small meals (little and often) but I'm famished by then.

[sweetsusie in reply to Houseofpain]

Protocol sucks....hang in there, though, let me know if the doctor will prescribe...

[Houseofpain in reply to sweetsusie]

Thanks - not sure I got your whole message there.

[sweetsusie in reply to Houseofpain]

Really? uh-oh...sorry if you didn't...don't know what part you didn't see?

[Houseofpain in reply to sweetsusie]

Or maybe this was the whole thing.. 'Protocol sucks....hang in there, though, let me know if the doctor will prescribe...'

[sweetsusie in reply to Houseofpain]

Yes..that was the whole message...hopeful that the doctors will give you what will help you the most: Welchol, Colestipol, or Questran....

[Houseofpain in reply to sweetsusie]

Gotcha- thank you , I do hope so.

[Houseofpain in reply to sweetsusie]

Updated - I've revieved an started taking colestyramine and been told that if I can' tolerate this ,I will switch to colesevelam..

[sweetsusie in reply to Houseofpain]

Good deal! I did well on that one..just keep in mind that you may have to take up to 6 tablets a day....I take 3 tablets twice a day...works wonders..although I switched to Colestipol because it was less expensive! Keep me posted..I'm "rootin" for you!

[Houseofpain in reply to sweetsusie]

I made the mistake of taking almost two by mistake together so currently a bit nauseous. ( had it in my head you take 2 at a time) No more for me tonight, start properly tomorrow..and thank you !

[sweetsusie in reply to Houseofpain]

Yes...you're supposed to take 2 at a time, if that's what your doctor told you, however, that dose didn't work very well for me, so I called my doctor and asked him if I could up the dose to THREE twice a day..so I take three tablets in the morning and then three tablets in the evening...(all 3 at once!). Hopefully, you will quit getting nauseated...try taking them with a bit of food..that might help you.

[Houseofpain in reply to sweetsusie]

I read that you are meant to take 2 at a time yesterday, but the label says 1 twice a day. Pharmacist said I might feel nauseous for taking too much and to leave it till tomorrow. Did take them with food. We will see..

[sweetsusie in reply to Houseofpain]

Well..I hope 2 a day works for you...didn't touch my diarrhea, hence why I take SIX a day. Keep me posted and good luck!