BAM severe

[Dor21]

I have been diagnosed with bile acid malabsorbtion after years of diahorea. I had a sehcat scan and was told my levels were less than 3 and I am in the severe category. I started treatment which is acid binding medication. These are sachets mixed in water and have helped the diahorea to settle most of the time.

I am still having some days that the diahorea is there and also the urgency is still causing problems.

But im asking of anyone else has found this,

since taking the medication I'm having bad heartburn and acid reflux.

It's awful, constant burping, tasting acid, pain, feeling bloated and burning from the acid in tubes.

It's really stating to get me down.

Ive swapped one problem for another 😥

[Soccer_dog]

I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing these challenges with bile acid malabsorption and its treatment. It's not uncommon for medications to come with side effects, and it's important to communicate any concerns or adverse reactions with your healthcare provider. They may be able to adjust your medication dosage or recommend additional strategies to manage the acid reflux and heartburn symptoms.In the meantime, there are some lifestyle changes and home remedies that may help alleviate acid reflux and heartburn:

Dietary Modifications: Avoid trigger foods and beverages that can worsen acid reflux, such as spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks. Opt for smaller, more frequent meals and avoid eating late at night.

Elevate Head While Sleeping: Elevating the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches can help prevent acid reflux while sleeping. You can do this by placing blocks under the bedposts or using a wedge-shaped pillow.

Stay Upright After Eating: Avoid lying down or bending over immediately after eating. Remaining upright for at least 2 to 3 hours after meals can help prevent acid reflux.

Manage Stress: Stress can exacerbate acid reflux symptoms, so finding stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga may be beneficial.

Over-the-Counter Medications: Antacids or other over-the-counter medications such as H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may provide relief from heartburn and acid reflux symptoms. However, it's important to use them under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Smoking Cessation: If you smoke, quitting smoking can help reduce acid reflux symptoms and improve overall health.

Weight Management: If you are overweight or obese, losing weight may help alleviate acid reflux symptoms.

It's essential to discuss any changes or concerns with your healthcare provider to ensure you receive appropriate care and management for both your bile acid malabsorption and acid reflux symptoms. They may be able to adjust your treatment plan or recommend additional interventions to improve your quality of life.

[Mizzmanicins]

Hi, I've just been diagnosed with B.A.M after being told I had IBS with diarrhoea for 24 years. I couldn't get on with colestyrimine sachets. Gave me nausea and irritated my acid reflux. I'm currently taking colesevelam tablets, 3/4 tablets × 2 times daily. Have less diarrhoea, or urgency. I will say that I still have bloating. On a bad day, the colesevelam seems to have improved my BM, and urgency. Though have the odd day where I go alot, and frequently, but it's not diarrhoea.

[Pollyboo]

Hi Dor21, I have been taking Colestyramine for about 11yrs now. I was diagnosed with IBS 21 years ago and 11 years ago had my Gallbladder removed. My urgency loose tummy became so much worse, that my GP at the time prescribed me Colestyramine. I have to say like yourself I had similar symptoms which I believe are very common, but they seem to settle over time. I don't know how many sachets you are taking, and what time of day?

I find the best time of day is before a meal, bedtime is a no for me. The side effects do get better overtime and try to stick with it. For me it has improved things but not the be and end all cure, I still take Imodium instants which I get on prescription and always have some with me.

I have tried the tablet form of this medication, but to be honest the side effects were similar and the tablets are very large and I have read that some people find them hard to swollow.

I have only in the last week decided to up my sachets to 2 per day. I now take 1 before breakfast and 1 before my evening meal. It is early days to see if this will help but I had got to the stage where I could not plan to do much anymore because of my tummy. On saying this it seems quite negative but believe you me I couldn't live without my 1 sachet as it has been such a help to me.

I hope you will begin to feel better soon, stick with it, and I am sure things will improve. Just one more thing don't forget to take vitamin d as Colestyramine takes away vitamins from your body and I found my vitamin d levels got low.

Wishing you all the best

Take care Pollyboo

[lowraind]

Do you take other meds and when do you take them?