Pregnancy, IBS D and a gallstone

[Blue_Dahlia]

Hi,

I was recently told I had a gallstone and would need an operation to remove my gallbladder in the future.Dr said to avoid fatty/ spicy foods too.Then I discovered I am pregnant. Upon discovering this I stopped taking my loperamide.I usually take 2 every morning.The next day the diarrhoea started and continued for the next 5 days.I was going like 8, 9 times a day.I felt weak, dizzy.I was unable to look after my 4 year old son or do anything around the house or go out.I made several unsuccesful attempts to get a drs appointment but only got 1 for a week later.So I rang 111 and begged for help crying.They had an out of hours Dr ring back.He was vague and said they dont know if loperamide is safe for babies but suggested codeine if it gets worse.The diarrhoea continued so I rang 111 again the next day and another Dr was quite cold with me and hinted I didnt care for the health of my unborn baby as I asked if I could take my loperamide or have codeine.He said codeine is more dangerous and then asked me why I had taken antibiotics when i was pregnant as this is dangerous for the baby and could result in defects.I was upset by his accusation and told him I wasnt aware I was pregnant at the time and was given those for a chest infection.He ended the call saying it was upto me if i wanted to take loperamide and it should be ok in small doses.So I took loperamide today so that I could go to work and look after my child but I feel very anxious now.Does anyone know about the effects of antibiotics and loperamide on unborn babies? And are there are safer alternatives e.g- herbal? And anyone else get treated so coldly about their IBS / pregnancy and expected to just drop everything and stay inside?

[Luisa22]

First, I am so sorry you were talked to and treated this way by a doctor! Shame on him. He sounds like a bit of an eejit to be honest!

I am sorry you are going through all these things. Oh boy if I could come round and help you out with some practical jobs etc, I would. As if you haven't got enough to cope with...

As far as I know from a medical manual I have here which was published by the BMA in the 80s I think Loperamide, or Immodium is a safe medicine to take

But this is what it says referring to pregnancy in that book: "Safety in pregnancy not established. Discuss with your doctor."

It also apparently passes into breast milk. Again it says "discuss with your doctor."

Yes, there are herbal options, but many herbs are contra-indicated in pregnancy. You'd need a professional herbalist who was medically trained. They don't cost the absolute earth, but there might not be one near where you live.

There are herbs for diarrhea: Oak bark, Meadowsweet, Blackberry leaves, Tormentil. and others. But I don't know which are safe in pregnancy.

But check out Silicol gel? It might be okay? It does help some people.

Then there' s a real "kitchen cupboard" remedy which could also help and I know almost for certain wouldn't harm the baby. That is...cornflour or Arrowroot powder, about a teaspoonful mixed into a "milk" with some water. Not too much water, and you could fill maybe a shot glass. That can often stop diarrhea in its tracks. You could try taking that last thing at night? Or even 2 or 3 times a day if needed? It's not a drug and not even a herb. But it has binding properties.

Look to what you're eating too, and maybe go on a low fibre diet? Eggs boiled, chicken breast plain cooked, fish plain cooked or even tinned fish, rice, peeled potatoes, white toast, bit of spinach or green beans, stewed apple, bananas if they suit you, stuff like that? Maybe crackers, pretzels, plain sponge cake too. A boring diet but it might calm your gut until you can introduce more foods gradually? A multivitamin and mineral daily would stop any deficiency of nutrients. (but again check with your doctor about that as you are pregnant.

[Blue_Dahlia in reply to Luisa22]

Thankyou for your reply and your practical suggestions.I will definitely be trying the cornflour recipe.

[Didodaisy10]

I’m so sorry you’re suffering and not getting help from NHS. Most GP’s do not treat you holistically so I’m not surprised they were so harsh. Obviously it’s best not to take any medication when pregnant but how were you supposed to know the minute you’re pregnant! I agree with Luisa that arrowroot is a safe alternative. I was always treated with that when I was a child (over 70 years ago!) I used to buy it from the chemist or maybe a health store. I do hope you can get some help soon.

[Blue_Dahlia in reply to Didodaisy10]

Thankyou for your sympathy and advice.Much better suggestions than the Dr's

[FerdyOne]

As you have had such poor advice (and lack of much sympathy from doctors) I would suggest talking to a pharmacist. They are highly trained and will be able to tell you exactly which medicines you can take during pregnancy. My local Tesco for instance has a small room for private consultations. Good luck.