Irritable bowel disease

[bowler]

Doe's anyone take Cholestyramine powder for IBS 'and do they find that it helps with the pain and loose bowels,

Thank you

[Maureen1958]

It's not usually given for IBS!

[bowler in reply to Maureen1958]

Thank you for your reply,

I have been googling too much about Cholestyramine , so I have probably read it all wrong,

Thanks.

[Maureen1958 in reply to bowler]

I have sent you a private message on Chat.

[Pollyboo]

Hi. I have taken cholestyramine for the past 10yrs. I have had IBSd for the past 20yrs. 10 yrs ago I had a gallbladder op and have had to take a sachet of cholestyramine everyday ever since . I would speak to your doctor as I think you may be able to try this. I wish I was brave enough to try before I had my gallbladder removed. I would also recommend a good book by Professor Peter Whorrwell. How to cure your IBS I have only just discovered it and have found it most helpful. It can be purchased on Amazon.

IBS can be very frustrating and we have to be brave and I for one have tried so many things over the years but I do regret not trying cholestyramine sooner. Take care Pollyboo

[bowler in reply to Pollyboo]

My Dr has mentioned taking it, but I'm waiting for a scan before treatment, i do have gallstones , and recently been having pain/discomfort with yellow poo [ sorry for the description ] so maybe the stones are blocking the bile duct? apart from IBS I also have diverticula of the bowel, and recently had my appendix out, and then in April i had covid and my main symptom was diarrhea, which seems to have exacerbated my problems, I was referred for a scan only 2 weeks ago, so I don't know how long I will have to wait for that.

I'm 77 and not looking forward to the outcome, especially if I have to have my gallbladder removed, as it took me ages to get over the appendectomy, perhaps my Dr will try me on Cholestyramine [ if it is the gallbladder ] so I wont have to have an op?

Thank you very much for your reply

[Pollyboo]

Hi Sorry to hear you have had a rough time of it just recently. Try not to have your gallbladder removed unless it is absolutely necessary.

As I mentioned before the book is a really good read with some very good advice.

Yellow poo seems like bile which the colestyramine will help as it is a bile binder.

I am 70 and at our age we just want to enjoy our retirement.

Good luck in whatever you decided we just have to go with our gut feeling sometimes . Take care Pollyboo

[bowler in reply to Pollyboo]

Thank you,

[Bellacat21]

Hi yes I have taken one sachet a day since having my GB removed five years ago. I still get triggered by certain foods and have to watch to a degree what I eat, however taking the sachet has been a game changer for me.

Victoria 😊

[bowler in reply to Bellacat21]

Thanks for your reply, hopefully when I get sorted , and if it is my gall bladder maybe I can have the Cholestyramine instead of having my gallbladder out, I will be glad to get the scan done.

[Bellacat21]

Yes hopefully. I had no choice with my GB. But if you don’t have to have removed that’s good.I could be wrong but if you do have GB removed afterwards maybe request a SEHCAT test this will determine the bile malabsorption etc .. this is how it was for me May be different for others.

Good luck with your GB I’m certain all will be good 😊

[bowler in reply to Bellacat21]

Thank you very much, it's nice to know there's others to give advice and share "stuff"