Cholestyramine For Diarrhea (Page 4)
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I do have high cholesterol and high triglycerides(sp?) but the Cholestyramine was prescribed for me for diarrhea and such since my gall-bladder surgery. i am confused as it is not on the instructions re: what I went to the doctor to have "fixed"? I was losing my stools 3 or 4 times per day.

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Foods to avoid..fried anything..spicy. caffine..extra sweet..eat small meals..I take 2 ackets per day of cholestyramine per day..one before breakfast..1/2 mid afternoon,1/2 before bed..Had gallbladder removed ugh!

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I have IBS, high cholesterol, hypothyriodism, constipation due to ibs, acid reflux, and bile reflux. My gastrologist prescribed cholestyramine 4gm packets for my bile reflux but as I am reading it is more cholesterol. I am confused why my doctor would prescribe for bile reflux. any information would be helpful.

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You should find a hematologist. He found that my body can no longer absorb iron. Unfortunately I did do the iv's - but they aren't too bad and only took once a week for about 5 weeks for me to get my level back up to speed. He did tell me that the choloestryamine can also bind to many vitamins and minerals, and instead of your body absorbing them, you pass them. That was his opinion. The hematologist is able to check your levels right there and if needed, give you a shot of what you need. I would ask your primary care doctor if he would refer you to one?? At this point, it can't hurt. I have good days and bad days like anybody else..but you cannot give up. Keep searching for an answer..I refuse to give up. I am thinking of checking for food allergies. I had allergy testing done a few years ago, but as I remember..it was environmentals such as grass, mold, etc. Good luck and hang in there.

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The brand I have is Sandoz. I also take OTC Imodium and have prescriptions for my IBSD, Lomotil and Glycopyrrolate. The cholestryramine didn't work made me very nauseated.
I've bought a bag of Chia Seeds and will put in yogurt then put back in the fridge until it thickens and found this has significantly helped without taking meds. I bought them for my husband to help with his diet. The seeds when mixed with liquid/food expand and are supposed to help you feel fuller without eating as much. I did research and some say it can cause diarrhea, but it didn't for me at all. They are high in fiber, and you can find them at Costco in the organic section, also they must come from Mexico otherwise not the real thing.
Good Luck!

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I forget that prunes are good for constipation. Put them on my shopping list. Thanks!

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Reply to B3WHIT

I don't need to use Cholestyramine daily but I do use it as a preventive measure for lenghty air/boat/automobile trips (as well as total fasting before a long airplane flight) I noticed in one of the various related replies that "Diana" referred to an OTC product. I don't believe my Doctor (who I have a lot of confidence in) has a lot of patients with this problem. You (and others) in this string of messages may also want to conduct the Choletsyramine product supplier directly.

I simply mix the Cholestyramine with 6 to 8 ounces of water

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My doctors used to have me drink metamucil for my constant diarrhea. Have you tried just eating prunes or drinking the juice? That works without having to take any medication. OTC Miralax also works.

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I have a terrible constipation problem and take Metamucil twice a day. I was prescribed cholestramine for a liver bile problem. I don't want to take it, and haven't because of the constipation. My cholesterol has never been high, or a problem. I am very skeptical of cholestramine. Because of the Metamucil I don't want to add another powder that is going to do the opposite. For me that would be like taking Nodoze and Excedrin PM together. I don't think my doctor really hears me. Anyway...any thoughts....

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@Penelope~ my iron levels very low, No trace of Vitamin D,B1 & B6 in my system. My labs are really bad. Tests for gluten allergy came back negative. I think my doctor's at a loss. Developed a cardiac problem, most likely from my metabolic system being such a mess!
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

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hi, there! did you have to take cholestyramine long term after gallbladder surgery or is it temporary? I recently had my gallbladder removed, and I was struggling with diarrhea every day, keeping me from doing pretty much anything. After he wrote me off multiple times, telling me to just take imodium, he FINALLY prescribed me cholestyramine....already three days straight with NO diarrhea! I'm sooooo happy, but I am wondering if I have to take this forever or if it just permanent. The Dr hasn't really been much help and I'm beyond frustrated.

Thank you so much! :)

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Out of curiosity do you know if your iron or ferratin level is good? The biggest problem with the cholestryamine is that it binds even the good minerals and then you pass them as well. But, most recently I was found to have an okay iron but a very low ferratin. Ferratin is what is needed to create blood. Once they gave me the iv's of ferratin, my stools were normal. It makes me wonder if iron/ferratin (iron storage) affects bowel movements as well. ?? Just wondering if you've found this.

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My Dr prescribed the same for me for my severe IBS-D also, it didn't work for me, it just made me very nauseated. Cost me a lot of money and didn't work. Others on here swear by it. Good Luck.
Diana

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I have had IBS-D since 1983. Due to an infection during lap band surgery and removal of my galbladder I have had a flare-up of ibs-d symtoms.
The infection was mycobactrium abcessus, treated with Tygacil, which affected my smell, taste and most importantly my IBS. My DR prescribed Cholestyramine. Is this good? I'm a little gun shy about new IBS treatments.

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I have major concerns when taking long air flights and boat rides. I totally fast from eating the day before and take two doses of cholestyramine. I am considering carrying a pre-packaged emergency backpack of clean pants etc when I am on vacation.
I am very angry at my surgeon ASSURING ME that "Nothing will change after the surgery". I especially avoid very spicy foods such as jambalaya, italian sausage, spicy pizza et al.
Is anyone else aware of specific food/drinks to be avoided ?

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Thanks for the heads up and your words of encouragement ........ you've been a help................ I appreciate it Penelope.

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Hang in there! I avoid certain restaurants just because the smell of garlic triggers my ibs...and I don't eat out that often because of it. Not really a big loss. I can live with that. In fact, I've been living this way for years and years. The cholestryamine binds your bowel movements together and seems to work. For me, it worked as long as my thryoid medication was correct. Both affect my ibs. Just know that there are many people out there going through the same thing. And, things could be worse. I still believe my ibs is triggered by food allergies. I avoid fat, garlic, processed foods,etc. I had the gluten test-negative. The hemotologist ran a gene gluten test, also negative. The trick is to keep searching. Keep a log book what affects you. And, remember...It happens to the best! You'll get through it.

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I have just received this today from my doctor because of horrible diarrhea. He said that this should work as long as I keep away from fatty foods - oops - no more pizza. Is this true for everyone - I would like to know because I am afraid to take it outside of my home - where I can't control exactly how a meal is served. I need help please.

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I think everyone is different. My doctor initially wrote half a packet twice daily but I had to bump it up to 1 packet twice a day. I take first packet before breakfast and 2nd packet in evening. I did find out that this drug as well as omeprazole does bind to good vitamins and minerals and you pass them. This was told to me by a hemocologist. Good luck.

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When is the best time of day to take SANDOZ cholestyramine ?

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This past March I lost all energy. I had the five hour glucose test, holter monitor, full blood panel, gi apt scheduled for upper gi and then to a hematologist. As it turns out I was severely anemic with a low hemoglobin. My iron was okay but my ferritin level was 8. I have been receiving ferrous through an iv once weekly for what will be five weeks. At this point the md feels that my intestines are just not absorbing the iron. I do have to receive benedryl through an iv before treatment as I did have swollen joints with pain without. Four weeks into treatment and I have my energy and few if any loose bowels.

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