Bile acid malabsorption

[Rachy66]

I was diagnosed with bile acid malabsorption last year and was prescribed colesevelam tablets. At first they were fine but then gave me really bad stomach pains which radiated through to my back.

I stopped taking them and recently had a colonoscopy which the results came back clear but symptoms were still there so I started taking colesevelam again. The pain is back only in the evening so wondered whether anyone else suffers with this and finds anything that helps 🤞

[looby49]

Im fine with the tablets but if you are on FB there is a very good support group you can join for this. Theyve helped me a great deal.

[Rachy66 in reply to looby49]

Thank you what's it called? Il have a look

[CtKathleenUSA in reply to Rachy66]

I have bile malabsorption too. I had a Whipple Procedure. I take the powder packets. I can only tolerate 1/2 dose at a time. I take 1/3 to 1/2 of what is prescribed, my symptoms are improved and get some stomach aches, but it’s not nearly as bad. Hope this helps.

[Hidden in reply to Rachy66]

I belong to this group on FB. Just type in Bile Acid Malabsorption. This group has helped me very much. I am on sachets of Colestyramine light. I have weaned myself down to just half a sachet every evening & it has totally changed my life. I started on 3 sachets a day but found I had pains in my stomach. It’s a matter of seeing what works for you. Good luck.

[Nomae]

Hi I have these tablets it's best to try and find the dose that suits you sometimes I only take 1 or 2 tablets a week I have even gone a month even longer just try and see how you cope by reducing the tablet to suit you I would have stomach pain but know I know when and if I need it try to change your diet cut out as much fat as you can in your food this lessons the bible good luck hope this helps you

[Rachy66 in reply to Nomae]

Thank you! I've tried varying the dosage but looks like I need to 6 a day. I've taken them at a different time today to see if that helps 🤞 thank you

[Nomae in reply to Rachy66]

Hi I was on 6 a day am now on 1 a week once I build up I start on a low dose and sometimes i might take 3 just to build up but refer back to 1

[Bellacat21]

I have been on these tablets approx 18 months after having my gallbladder removed and then being diagnosed with BMA .. I take six a day two after every meal. I have had no tablet assessment or re test to see if things have improved. I am unsure even if I have to stay on these tablets forever or what really. My doctor has never called me in to be assessed. My symptoms are better I haven’t had consistent stomach pains in a longtime and if I miss the odd tablet things are still ok. I just wonder how long you stay on them for ?

Thanks

[Rachy66 in reply to Bellacat21]

I was prescribed the powder to begin with but made me really sick and headaches so the consultant prescribed me tablets.

I couldn't say how long you would stay on them for as I would presume forever. X