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Anyone taking Cholestyramine Powder for Diarrhea?

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Posted 2/11/2012 6:41 AM (GMT -7)
I take Colestid, 2 pills twice a day, about every 12 hours or so. If I\m a little late I will have the runs. I had most of my terminal ilium taken out.

Cholestryamine works well too with 1 pack a day every 24 hours. But I prefer the pills over the powder.


Whelcol, is no available in Canada now, but has just been approved, so it will come out in the near future I suppose.We have Colstid and Questran for the moment.
Does anyone have experience with Welchol ( colesevelam ) and Colestid ( colestipol ) ? How would you compare the 2, is whelcol more effective? ( Less pills required? )

Thank you

Post Edited (abc12) : 2/11/2012 6:48:38 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/27/2012 12:11 PM (GMT -7)
I was diagnosed with Crohn's in November after emergency surgery to remove my terminal ileum and all of my ascending colon, 17 inches total. I've been on Cholestyramine for a month, which has stopped the diarrhea. Now I have a tremendous amount of gas every afternoon and evening. I started taking 180 mg of simethicone a few days ago. I still have gas, but it may be getting better; not sure yet.

Today my regular doctor suggested that I try eliminating all lactose foods for two weeks to see if that helps.

The gas is embarrassing. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks
Posted 3/2/2012 7:00 PM (GMT -7)
I tried questran once and I think I had an allergic reaction to it. The same thing happened to me with immodium. My symptoms got way worse, I had night sweats, low fever and bad stomach pain. I guess it doesn't work for everyone!!! BTW, I have crohn's colitis in my whole colon and rectum.
Posted 3/4/2012 10:02 AM (GMT -7)
I too had night sweats, low fever, and bad stomach pain as an allergic reaction when given this to stop the big D after my surgery. I seemed to tolerate double doses of immodium much better.

Cindy
Posted 3/4/2012 10:18 AM (GMT -7)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bile_acid_malabsorption

Just thought I would add this link, no doubt there are many more pages with info on though.

DD was diagnosed with IBS(have my doubts) and was talking to a friend who is a consultant and she said that many patients are diagnosed with IBS, when in fact they have bile malabsorption, which led me to look it up and as it also mentions Crohn's thought it would be useful to link.

Posted 6/4/2012 12:23 PM (GMT -7)
I had the gallbladder removed 8 years ago. Been dealing with diarrhea all this time. I was taking Imodium(2 at night). It helped with the diarrhea but I can not eat fructose anymore. So no fruit, veggies or procedded food of any kind. I am now trying Cholestyramine. I take 1 pack at two meals. I take it with lunch and dinner. Does anyone take this much and with meals?? It is not working as well as the Imodium did but I have not tried any fruit or veggies yet. I am trying to get the bathroom issue to improve. Not so much  dirrahea but still in the bathroom many, many times each day. Does anyone take both Imodium and Cholestyramine???? If you use these products when do you take them and how much????

Thanks,

Posted 6/7/2012 1:56 PM (GMT -7)
I have been taking it for 6 years, works very well for me
Posted 6/8/2012 5:07 PM (GMT -7)
Whelcol tablets work well too. I took those for a few years. In fact, with the D I have been having lately, supposedly from pelvic floor dysfunction per GI dr. Whelcol had no side effects and did not block me up, but def took away the D. 
Posted 6/22/2012 3:19 PM (GMT -7)
Hi all - I'm new to the forum...just came across it while trying to get info on Cholestyramine. I was diagnosed with autoimmune disease 17 years ago...a year or two before that, I had my gall bladder removed. I didn't have any digestive problems at all despite the surgery, and was fine for years. Fast-forward 20 years, and suddenly I have a daily, life-altering problem with my gut - the kind most of you describe, with unpredictable bouts of D right after eating, and being afraid to go anywhere or do anything because of the embarrassment factor. I've been diagnosed with everything from IBS to possible Crohn's to Celiac, but the most recent theory has been that suddenly, after all this time, it might be a bile salts issue from lack of a gall bladder. I'm supposed to start the Cholestyramine Powder to see if that helps, but I'm a bit nervous for a couple of reasons, so I was hoping you folks might be able to offer some insight. Mostly, I'm worried because I've read that this powder is also used to lower cholesterol. Given that I already HAVE low cholesterol (one of the only healthy things about me, haha!), do you think taking Cholestyramine could be dangerous in my case, if it lowers my cholesterol even more? If anyone has any experience with this, please let me know your thoughts....thanks!
Posted 6/23/2012 5:25 AM (GMT -7)
I've been taking it for years since my resection and this is my wonder drug..

I sometimes forget to take it on the weekends and I pay for it.

I need to take it everyday.

Posted 6/25/2012 10:01 AM (GMT -7)
I take Welchol and it has helped me tremendously. I had my gallbladder out 10 years ago and have had problems with D and urgency since then. I was diagnosed with Crohn's in Dec. 2010 and Welchol was prescribed I think in mid-2011. I don't ever want to stop taking it as it helps so much.
Posted 6/25/2012 9:07 PM (GMT -7)
I had a c-section with my 2nd daughter 10 years ago and my bowls have NEVER been the same since i have suffered with "D". I have been to so many doctor's had a colonoscopy done, blood work, xrays to  which have all came back normal i even had my gallbladder removed last augest because i had gallstones and one had gotton stuck in the bile duck, i really had high hopes that after it was removed i would get my life back but to my disappointment my D returned :( i am only 31 and have suffted since i was 21 with D i can't take my kids places or go away for the week-end it's even getting to the point i dont\can't  leave the house..!! 16 monthes ago i got new symptoms with the D,, such as after i would eat i would get D (witch was nothing new ) but then i would feel short of breath, fatigue my pulse would race i  even went to the ER a few times because i thought i was going to die, but they put it down to anxiety and put me on oxalate !! this has controlled my life for far to long i dont know how much more i can take  all i know is that i cant live like this anymore :(

I went and seen my doctor the other day (which she has been fantastic she has tryed me on everything that she can think of that would help but so far nothing has hapled ) But i have recently came across A condition called habba symdrome and bile salt dierrhea  which is what i think i may have, so i spoke to my doc about it and she has given me Questran (cholestyramine) to try i am hoping this is my godsent and it will change my life for the better i have missed out on so much of my life and my kids lifes because of D i just want to enjoy life ..I will let you all know how i go and good luck to you all aswel :)

 

 

Posted 6/30/2012 6:49 PM (GMT -7)
Works awesome immediately. I have been on it for 7 years!
Posted 8/7/2012 9:24 AM (GMT -7)

I had my gall bladder removed 13 years ago and have been plaqued with D since that time.  This often happens within minutes of eating.  Raw fruits and vegatables as well as nuts go right through me.  I complained a ccouple of times to my Gastroenterologist.  He had absolutely no suggestions. I recently went to my primary physician with the problem.  He wrote a perscription for Cholestyramine.

I am taking this (powdered form) three times a day before each meal.  I regret to say that it is not working very well.  I have read here of people only taking it once a day with great success.

I have also read of people using  Cholestyramine along with Immodium.  p If anyone else has used the two together, please let me know.

Any suggestions on this matter will be greatly appreciated.

Posted 9/21/2012 3:06 PM (GMT -7)
I wrote a comment but lost it before it posted. New to this site and having very similar issues. Have microscopic colitis and gallbladder removed in '75. Now taking Budesonide and Questran. Got very constipated yesterday so I have tried lowering the amount of Questran powder today.
Good to know that you all are out in cyberspace for suppport.
Posted 9/21/2012 8:42 PM (GMT -7)

I have been taking a half pack of Questran for 6 years , works great. 

 After taking it for a time, I try to skip a few days to get a break.  On those days I take L Glutamine in the a.m. on an empty stomach or Bee Propolis.  Both are supplements.  These two work only for a couple days each. Then I'm back on Questran.

I have taken Lomotil before, but it seems too harsh for my stomach.

I buy brand name Questran, ordering from canadadrugs.com.  Too expensive in the states.  I can't take generic Questran....makes me nausea

Sometimes I do get a lot of gas.  Like others here, I think its because of foods I eat, and too much food.  I can't seem to have complete control, I'll mess up with forgetting to take the stuff or eat something.  I have learned once in awhile I can take Psyllium (fiber supplement) after a large meal and that works, only for  a day or two tho.  I try not to take much meds or supplements so I only take one supplement regardless what the bottle says.

Posted 9/26/2012 11:33 PM (GMT -7)

blacky said...
I have been taking it everyday since 1999. It works wonders for me. If I don't drink it by noon, I start to get gurgles, and then it dons on me that I did not take it. I run to the can the rest of the day with bile salts diarrhea. I get very exhausted from that so I don't miss!!!


Hi every one im new here see if you members can help me Out
1 Half my Bowel taken out at 20 years old just has a pain in right side Mum took me to AEM they thought it was Appendix .
1 Year Later took 3foot of gang green intestine out since them had very bad dier Specilist put me on Questran Lite Best Stuff
2years later had 1back opp,s that all went wrong Bad Surgen Cronic pain 24/7 Ms Contain 2x100 Mg a Day
1year later did some tests and found out i have a Malabsorbsion Syndrome needed B12 Each month
2years had Bowel Adhesions done again Proladone 30Mg oxyConean night helped alot with my Pain
2012 had my Gall Bladder out the old way i throught they Cut me in Half crap the pain was 100% had a Ketamine infusion
Since being on the Ketamine i have Lost all my habit for Smoking no craving,s at all the Dr says it resets your Pain receptors in your Brain im 60 years young now whats wrong with me as no Dr can tell me what i have .
Valium 5Mg 3times a day .
But i would like to know the Tablet for of Questran Lite so i can ask my Gp Please help if you know the name of this Tablet Ps im in Australia Cheers every one Talk soon Goldwingman . rolleyes tongue
Posted 9/27/2012 11:02 AM (GMT -7)
I had surgery for CD 45 years ago ...5 feet removed. Have led a normal life since, except that I have also had fistula surgeries 10 years ago. Diarrhea has been my chronic problem. Have had Pentasa but it did not seem to help me. It was only last year that my MD put me on Entocort and Cholestyramine.....what a change since then...no cramping abdominal pains and the diarrhea is under control.

Please do not expect miracles....learn to accept CD...no real cure for it. I understand President Ike lived with it. Your mind set is very important. I run to a bathroom after major meals. I am happy when I get a formed stool. My diet is not that restricted either...and I travel and hike. Yes, I have had to become creative about finding potty places...but if that is the only problem in my life, I consider myself lucky now just past 80.
Posted 9/27/2012 11:14 AM (GMT -7)

joanne6 said...
I wrote a comment but lost it before it posted. New to this site and having very similar issues. Have microscopic colitis and gallbladder removed in '75. Now taking Budesonide and Questran. Got very constipated yesterday so I have tried lowering the amount of Questran powder today.
Good to know that you all are out in cyberspace for suppport.

:

Joanne6, I am on the same meds as you....3 tablets of Budesonide (Brand Name is Entocort) and 1 packet of Cholestramine (aka Questran). Keep up your meds, they do work. Use your diet to control gas. I get gas problems when I eat beef...so I try to avoid it when I can.
My motto: What cant be cured must be endured!! Dont be hard on yourself.
Posted 9/28/2012 5:24 PM (GMT -7)
Yes, it works good as long as you don't have a blockage.  Anyone else find that it can give a person bad breath?

 

Posted 11/15/2012 11:51 AM (GMT -7)
I have not had any resection but only excess of bile salts.
Nothing would help me with diarrhoea and I thought I had a serious problem, I got exhausted not by work but because every episode was like loosing all my energy reserves instantaneously. I consulted a Gastroenterologist, I went a series of lab tests and eventually he explained to me the condition: no parasites, no infection, but only excess of bile salts in my vowel.
I only need to take Questran (once or twice one day only) and diarrhoea stops even for months.
Posted 11/21/2012 6:16 PM (GMT -7)
Actually cholestyramine does work but it is too binding for my narrowed bowel. Doctor suggested I take half of the powder and see if that helps. I only take 1/2 a couple days in a row and then break. I find that diarrhea follows within a couple of days. Also I've been getting real bad reflux following it, so don't know if that is a side effect or if it is filling up the narrowing and pushing upward. Anyone else had this kind of problem using this product?
Posted 12/4/2012 5:41 PM (GMT -7)
PLEASE READ IF YOU HAVE CHRONIC DIARRHEA OR ILEUM REMOVED OR GAS

This worked for me:

CHOLESTYRAMINE (QUESTRAN) TIPS

1) Take Cholestyramie(Questran) first thing in the morning as soon as I wake up. Before my stomach starts getting hungry and acid/bile is generated.

2) I TAKE it 30 minutes before eating anything. This gives Cholestyramine time to go down the intestines and attach to the intestine walls.(where bile/acid will run after you eat)

3)I TAKE CHOLESTYRIMINE WITH PLAIN FILTERED WATER. here is where a lot of people fail.
Taking it with APPLE JUICE, ANY JUICE, it has sugar and/or preservatives. I find that this generates BILE and more ACID = Diarrhea and This makes Cholestyramine less effective.

I NEVER Drink Tap water as I find it has a lot of Chemicals that produce Diarrhea. Buy bottles of water to be safe.

4) If eating late before going to bed, I take one packet of Cholestyrime to be safe.

5) I take multivitamins, since. I notice memory loss issues with Cholestyramine

* GAS AND BLOATED ISSUES DUE TO Cholestyramine

Solution:

Take Probiotics .

1) I take Kefir ( Lactose Free Cultured Milk) it does wonders for me and even for people with a normal digestive system. I find this helps with the Bad bacteria that produces gas .I drink a bottle at least 4 times a week. Its Lactose Free!

OR

2) I Take probiotics pils such as
"Culturelle" twice a day. Over the counter. But Kefir is much much better



BETTER THAN CHOLESTYRAMINE

WELCHOL POWDER
3.75 grams of Colesevelam Hydrochloride - Single Dose Packet .
(Colesevelam HCI)

By Daiichi Sanko, inc

YES THE WELCHOL POWDER FORM IS GREAT.


I used to take the whelcol pills, they were OK,

Nothing beats WELCHOL POWDER. Better than Cholestiramine, Less GAS, easier on my stomach , less Gastritis or GERD problems , No memory loss issues like with Cholestyramine.

DIET :

I try to avoid,

Fried foods
Lactose products
fat meals such as bacon
Spicy Food
Sola is a killer
Artificial Juice ( the Colorant, artificial flavor, preservatives and other chemicals are bad) Even if it was made with natural fruit.( it has Preservatives that produce acids)

My DR. Told me "if you buy 100% Natural Orange Juice you can have heart burn and is more acidic Because it is Processed"
'
" But if buy an Orange (the fruit) and squeeze it you can drink it with out any problems"

Nothing better than natural Juice without preservatives

Drinking lost of water and eating healthy.

What's good

Steamed Food, such as steamed rice and potatoes to help absorb the acid
Grilled tender chicken, easy to breakdown
Anything that produces less bile or acid to break down the food

In a way I see this as a blessing since I am forced to eat healthier and have a healthier lifestyle than others and to enjoy and appreciate life more than others.

God Bless all of you

J. C.

* Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor. I had most of my ileum removed, I seen 5 Gastroenterologists in the U.S.A and other countries. This is based on my own experience and results and what has worked for me For the last 10 years since my ileum was removed in 1999. I am not providing Medical Advice.

Post Edited (ileumhealth26) : 12/6/2012 4:25:48 PM (GMT-7)
Posted 12/5/2012 1:17 PM (GMT -7)
J.C.

Wonderful to hear these things are working for you.

My Ilium was removed along with some small & large colon.  I've had problems since surgery/chemo 2006. D at first and in recent months added problems ...Gerd, Gas, Memory loss, etc.  I take Questran 1/2 pak daily.  Works most of the time, but I do have the side effects you mentioned.  No one has told me when to take this med., what you are saying makes sense.  I just ordered 100 paks from Canadian drug pharm, but will try the Whelcol (sp?) , maybe with a sample from my Dr. 

This reply hopefully makes sense, not as organized as your:)!

I will start taking Questran as you suggested ....Before eating at least 30 min with bottled water, watch my diet.  I already take Psyllium tabs occasionally, PB8 Probiotic occasionally, L-Glutamine occasionally (Immune system).

I see my ONC tomorrow for blood work & check, I will run this all by him.  He is really good at listening and is not totally against remedies other then Pharm drugs.  He will agree with fiber, probiotics etc. 

Thank you for sharing your experiences and things that work for you.  I've tried a lot of things and find diet, water, and other things people on here have suggested have helped and really appreciate yours and others help.

God Bless you too!  

Posted 12/6/2012 5:16 PM (GMT -7)
OliveOil2, Thank you for sharing your story, I just wanted to share my personal experience and discoveries for the last 11 years after seen Many Many Doctors. Doctors sometimes are so bussy that don't give you all the info you need, so it has been learning the hard way. I even tried Acupuncture and i got very good results. I want to wish you nothing but the very best and remember to enjoy the wonderful things that life has to offer and that there is always people who are doing much much worst. You are lucky that you only have to take 1/2 packet of Cholestyramine, God Bless you too :)

J. C.

Post Edited (ileumhealth26) : 12/6/2012 5:22:32 PM (GMT-7)

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