First ever: I have been dealing with... - IBS Network

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First ever

Judyneedshelp profile image
20 Replies

I have been dealing with debilitating diarrhea for years which has completely ruined my life. I believed it was IBSD and relagated my life to no relief and no forward life. I am 69 yrs old, very (before this plague) active & happy. My journey has been frought with ups & downs & mind/boggling depression. I have given up gluten, followed FODMAP, and basically tried every weird diet published. I even took Cholesyramine once a night before bed. NOTHING WORKED! Until I read a random blog that claimed taking Cholestramine immediately after you eat solved his problem. I tried it. Since I changed when I take it, I am 90% diarrhea free. Yes, I have occasional breakthroughs- but for the most part I am once again leading a normal life. I believe BAM is totally undiagnosed and completely underestimated.

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Judyneedshelp profile image
Judyneedshelp
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20 Replies
Emsky profile image
Emsky

Is this available over counter or is prescribed? As I've had chronic diarrhea for 3 months and I'm starting to think because all my tests are negative that this is the life I have to live from now on now, if its helped you I'm wondering if it'll do the same for me

Judyneedshelp profile image
Judyneedshelp in reply to Emsky

Prescription

Emsky profile image
Emsky in reply to Judyneedshelp

I see they won't prescribe me with anything no matter how much I ask :(

Maureen1958 profile image
Maureen1958 in reply to Emsky

Hi Emsky, I don't know if you have been following this post since your comments, but what is being said here (in case you are unaware of it) is judyneedshelp actually has BAM not IBS. If you have not heard of this please goggle it, it might give you your life back.

Emsky profile image
Emsky in reply to Maureen1958

I haven't been diagnosed with bam, I just thought cos we had similar symptoms that I might have been able to get my hands on the same meds to try help me

Maureen1958 profile image
Maureen1958 in reply to Emsky

But have you been tested for BAM?

Emsky profile image
Emsky in reply to Maureen1958

I don't think so? I've been getting tests done and not being told what they're for, just being told their coming back normal? I know they're looking for wheat allergy in one of them but that's it :(

Maureen1958 profile image
Maureen1958 in reply to Emsky

So I guess they are just blood and stool tests then?

Emsky profile image
Emsky in reply to Maureen1958

For now yes been told I'll be referred to gastrointestinal specialist if they don't find out what's wrong via the bloods and stools

Maureen1958 profile image
Maureen1958 in reply to Emsky

Well mention BAM (Bile Acid Malabsorption) to doctor and gastro. Check it out on goggle to see if it is what you are experiencing. I am assuming you are in UK. If so they generally do what's called a SeHCAT test to check for BAM,

Emsky profile image
Emsky in reply to Maureen1958

I'll see what they say next time I'm in as it could be a possibility

That’s interesting. Were you told to take it at nighttime? I’m about to start my journey of taking meds for BAM but I haven’t got my prescription yet. Just wondering what they will prescribe for me & when they recommend it’s taken!! 🤔

Judyneedshelp profile image
Judyneedshelp in reply to

Was told to take it at night. Didn’t work until I started taking it immediately after a meal.

in reply to Judyneedshelp

Thank you. I’ll see how I get on!! I’m still waiting for my prescription!!! 😩

Eastbourne11 profile image
Eastbourne11

Judyneedshelp i was very interested to read about your medication. I have been on the FODMAP diet and it has worked for me. I wanted to ask, when you were on it, did you read the book? Or were you just given a diet sheet? The book explains why you can eat an item one day without effect and another day results in diarrhea. Good luck

Judyneedshelp profile image
Judyneedshelp in reply to Eastbourne11

Read the book & every blog available. No help. Pretty much decided it was not IBSD but BAM - totally changed my life.

vickilynne profile image
vickilynne

That’s brilliant. I think you’re right, many docs miss the BAM diagnosis.

Trinity7 profile image
Trinity7

Hi what is BAM?

sweetsusie profile image
sweetsusie in reply to Trinity7

Bile acid malabsorption..terrible...causes chronic diarrhea. Welchol, Colestipol, and/or Questran are the answers! I like Colestipol the best!

sweetsusie profile image
sweetsusie

Tell your doctor to prescribe either Welchol or Colestipol...these will stop your diarrhea in its tracks!!! I take 6 tablets a day of Colestipol and I have my life back now!!

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