BAM ???

[Edgar77]

I was diagnosed with BAM about 3 years ago. Result was 13%. Should be at least 15%. The main symptoms of BAM is diarrhoea but I have mostly IBSC so they can't give me anything for it. I ask do I have too much bile acid or not enough?? I never get a straight answer to this. I literally feel I am burning from inside out. Every bm burns and they are pale. They just say Oh that's just the BAM!! I always feel saw around the waist line like I'm wairing a very tight belt and I awake with it every morning. It's a scary thought what long term damage is this doing.

[EnikoF]

Hi Edgar77, I have the same symptoms. What kind of test did they do? I thought my symptoms were because of some sort of reflux. Nobody has ever suggested BAM. For me, not eating nuts, butter and cheese helps to ease the pain.

[Edgar77 in reply to EnikoF]

The main symptoms of BAM is diarrhoea and pale stools. They give you a tablet (no ill effects) do a scan. Then a week later another scan to see how much of the tablet you were able to absorb. No many hospitals can do it, so you may have to go far afield for it.

[Edgar77]

?? How do you know my diet?? I an celiac so all gluten free I also have to stick to lactose free and stay on the fob map diet. As I was already used to gluten free a d alternatives for dairy is easy I found the fob map diet easy. There are 3 fruits and 3 vegetables that are a staple for me plus the occasional xtra fruit or veg.

[Bracondale]

It's strange that they did a BAM test when you mostly have IBS-C. Pale stools suggests too little bile, as does predominance of constipation and burning stool. Looking into how the SeHCAT scan works, I wonder whether you have too little bile AND too little of that is being reabsorbed (suggested by your slightly lower than normal result at 13%).

If it were me, I'd try something to stimulate bile flow such as 'bitters', just before a meal to see whether this might help. These foods might also help

To improve bile flow, consider incorporating the following foods into your diet:

Organic acids from apple cider vinegar, lemons, and limes

Bitter herbs such as parsley, cilantro, dandelion, and milk thistle

Warming spices like ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon

Prebiotic foods like artichokes, radishes, asparagus, and garlic

Beets, chicory, and rocket

[Edgar77 in reply to Bracondale]

Interesting. Why has the doctors never told me this. I was referred to a dietician who recommended the fod map diet and most of the foods you suggest are a no no onthat diet. So I don't know what to think.

[Bracondale in reply to Edgar77]

Doctors often haven't been taught much about nutrition and functional gut issues, or don't get the time to think laterally. The curriculum is heavily biased towards medicating symptoms rather than looking for an underlying cause. I don't think items on the first three lines would contravene a low FODMAP plan though the last two would! Perhaps try the 'bile improving ideas' (first three lines) if the dietician's advice doesn't help. I certainly have had to use a lot of trial and error! (I used Swedish Bitters before meals, but a trial of items on the first three lines is a cheaper/easier way to trial the idea).

[Cocopal]

Hi Edgar,Sorry to hear you have BAM and you are struggling. We may be similar. After a seHCAT scan I got a call last week to tell me i have BAM. A letter is on its way to me. I have IBS-C diverticulitis bowel polyps and I am now gluten free as either gluten intolerance or celiac. I have other blood results that may suggest I have am auto immune disease. Also currently being treated for a basal cell carcinoma skin cancer with immunology cream this has made every condition worse i have now a second bacterial infection with fungus on the cancerous site my sternum and chest right to under my neck area. I feel awful. The immiquimod topical cream has floored me so I have to stop my SC treatment take another 4th course of antibiotics and an anti fungul cream. I await my new sachet meds for the BAM. I should add I have been diagnosed with complex PTSD severe anxiety depression and panic disorder and I had to flee my home over a week ago due to a domestic abuse incident so my anxiety is daily and bad. We all know gut and brain are connected. I have lost a rapid weight loss going from 8.5 to 7 stones. I have been prescribed ensure plus drinks daily. Sorry for the lengthy post but I have no clue now what to eat. I have urgent BMs diarrhea daily and suffer horrific bowel spasms cramps they can literally put me on my knees.

My life has been completely debilitated with all my conditions.

I wonder what we can eat. I hope you get the help you need.

Kind regards

Kay

[Edgar77 in reply to Cocopal]

Oh poor you. and I thought I had problems! Stick to the gluten free diet and lactose free may help too as lactose is difficult to digest for anyone according to my dietician. The fod map diet seems to help a lot of people too (including me). I'm not surprised your anxiety levels are so high and it's bound to effect your over all health. Be kind to yourself. It won't always be like this. Knowing the problem is half the battle and it sounds like the Doctors are working on it. It will just take time.

[Cocopal in reply to Edgar77]

Hey Edgar Aww i think everyone on this forum have all their own problems and experiences thank you for your kind words and advice I really appreciate it. I will look into what you suggest. It appears it's different diets for my conditions so I'm now completely confused what I should and should not eat. I left a message with my dietician to advise yesterday and I am planning on booking an appointment with my GP to refer me to my gastroentoligist as I need advice I know ill never eat gluten but having 3 or 4 different GI conditions they all have different dietary advice that cross over each other it's like I can barely eat anything without food aggravating one of my conditions I'm just exhausted with it all and too many different opinions from different medical people who only practice their own specialist subject 🤷‍♀️🤦‍♀️😔 x

[Cocopal]

Sorry I have IBS -D not IBS -C didn't know how to edit my post 🤷‍♀️🤦‍♀️🙈

[Bracondale in reply to Cocopal]

To edit, tap on the 'More' button and edit will be an option (I've just found out!) IBS-D makes more sense re BAD/BAM. I'm so sorry to read all that you are going through. The CPTSD, anx, dep, panic is bound to having a significant effect on your IBS....I do hope that there is soon some resolution for you.

[Cocopal in reply to Bracondale]

Hi there,Thank you for the info on how to edit 😀 and thank you for your kind words yes i agree all the stress and anxiety makes my symptoms worse so it's like a vicious circle as the flare ups cause anxiety. I appreciate your contact. I hope you are well.