Heat and Medicatio

[Pollyboo]

Hi all, just wondering if anyone is experiencing problems with this heat and Medication.

I for one seem to be having a bit of a bad time at the moment and a thought occurred to me perhaps the heat had affected my cholestyramine. Away from home for a couple of weeks so not good really.

Having to take more Imodium and diet has not changed as I am self catering in a holiday cottage.

Change of scenery though and hope to get out and do some walking eventually.

Thanks all Pollyboo

[meadfoot]

Could the change in water be affecting you possibly.

[Pollyboo in reply to meadfoot]

Hi, have been drinking bottled water, and this all seemed to start before I came away. I did have a lot going on before I came away but must admit now am feeling a bit stressed about how my tummy is behaving at the moment. Pollyboo

[meadfoot in reply to Pollyboo]

Sorry to hear that. Never any peace is there. I find going away stressful due to health issues, just the opposite of what we hoped for with a nice holiday to enjoy. Hope things settle som what very soon. Best wishes.

[Maureen1958]

The heat always has an effect on me. I don't suppose it is affecting the cholestyramine, it's just that you are feeling hotter yourself. Most people with IBS find it difficult when the weather changes! Just wondering how did you get hold of some cholestyramine, have you been diagnosed with BAM?

[Pollyboo in reply to Maureen1958]

Hi Maureen, I have been taking cholestyramine for about 9yrs now. I had my gallbladder removed 10yrs ago which made my ibs worse. My GP prescribed cholestyramine on a trial and error basis and I take 1 sachet in the evening and to be honest find I can't live without it. I also take Imodium also prescribed if I am having a bad day.

I don't have flares just stomach seems to speed up at least once a week. I have tried the low FODMAP twice with 2 different dietitians and I feel sure it is not food related.

I have lived with this for 20yrs and sometimes wonder if it was menopause.

Like all of us we have to keep going the best way we can

Well Maureen this is a bit about my story. Happy to share

Take care Pollyboo

[Maureen1958 in reply to Pollyboo]

Thanks for replying, that makes sense. I don't think it would have been the menopause that caused your IBS, I would think it was probably down to the gallbladder as you had it removed and the body is not very good at functioning properly without it. I don't know if you know much about this (doctors never tell you anything) but I have attached a link from a very good website about Bile Acid Malabsoption in case you are interested.

gutscharity.org.uk/advice-a...

I have had IBS for over 35 years now, I asked my doctor, about 4 year ago, if I could try one of the Bile Sequestrants, I particularly wanted to try the cholestyramine (Questran) as it was a powder (so I could play about with dosage). My cousin had been diagnosed with BAM. But my doctor said I would have to take the SeHCAT test, which I did, but didn't reach the criteria to be given the medication. I have recently found out (by requesting my hospital records) that I was not far off the criteria.

[Pollyboo in reply to Maureen1958]

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I have researched quite a bit about BAM, and have taken another look at the link you kindly sent.In hindsight now I wish I had not had my gallbladder removed but I did have gallstones, with right hand side pain, but was this the IBS ? I will never now know.

I am sorry you have not been prescribed Questran, is it worth another talk to your GP?. I have read that the SeCAT test is not always very accurate. I did ask about the test myself but my GP just said let's try the Questran. I always try to monitor my fat intake and cook most of my meals from scratch at least then I know what ingredients are in them.

As I have said Questran is my lifesaver, just 1 sachet before my evening meal. It really would be worth trying your GP again, but I know at times we feel like giving up,but I am sure you are aware we must not.

Take care Maureen

Pollyboo

[Maureen1958 in reply to Pollyboo]

Sorry I didn't get back to you earlier (bad day)!

Yes, I keep saying to myself that I must go back, but speak to one of the other doctors. I might get more luck with someone new.

Many thanks.

Maureen

[drax83]

This very common in heat. The first thing the body does to survive and manage its tempature, is to shut down the digestive process. This entails Seratonon levels and other enzymes. This suppresses appetite, which you need to change diet to moisture rich foods and eat small salads or other bowls of food that are easy on your tummy. If you overload your stomach (IBS) in general will get (D) during prolonged hot periods.