Honestly, even though the scale has not moved in weeks I am noticing differences in my clothes. So I suspect I'm in a hard-core, long-lasting rebalance of my system. The new meds are sort of helping in that I am no longer on a 15+ times a day going to the toilet to empty my bowels. And hey, at least I finally have a diagnosis after what 8-10 years of undiagnosed IBS. It is IBS or rather it is IBS-D. I have read about the various tests that some countries do to decide if it's IBS or Bile Acid malabsorption or something else. And yes, I feel like a guinea pig with the Cholestyramine but at the same time, this falls into my way of thinking of less is more. I've only been taking it for 13 days and the first 7 days I went with the 1/2 pk rather than what my gastro doc said of a full pk and if I get constipated to go to the 1/2 pk. That didn't make sense in my head. So I went my route which has caused less havoc within my body. And yes, the Cholestyramine is the most foul thing I've had to take, medicine wise, to date. The grit of the medicine and there version of flavouring (mine is wannabee orange flavour) are offensive. But I have learned to use a water bottle 1/2 full, dump in the pkg, cap back on & shake the dickens out of it then wait and shake again and then drain it into my gullet all at once. It is the only way I can do it...lol. The D has lessened somewhat but I still have it. From what my Gastro doc said, it will take many weeks before I feel the full effect of it, that is if it is bile acid malabsorption. This is guesswork rather than actual testing for it so I am not sure if I'm really comfortable with doing things this way. Less invasive? Yes. More room for error? Yes. But at the end of the day I still stay home because I do not trust my bowels and I have to use my coping mechanisms if/when I have to go out for appointment's or for shopping.
Thanks for letting me ramble. Enjoy your day.
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108.9 kg
Lost so far: 5.4 kg.
Still to go: 18.1 kg.
Diet followed: Reasonably Well.
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steady weight
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![](https://m.ftscrt.com/static/images/box/membersicon.gif) Comments
I have IBS-D as well. In my teens, I was prescribed Buscopan. I didn't need it daily, just when it really triggered. Foods, especially cheese & hamburger, stress and carbonated drinks were my triggers. I hadn't used Buscopan for quite a while and when I went to my doctor for a new script he told me it's now over-the-counter (ask the pharmacist). Ah, ok. Again, I haven't used it in a long while, but when I did, it worked wonders. Also, Imodium quick dissolves are a Godsend! Just a thought. Hugs.
14 Aug 23 by member: CarbAbuser
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I had tried the concoction after my colonoscopy of Metamucil/Restorlax (Dr orders). Long story short, it didn't work. I've only been taking the Cholestyramine since August 2nd so I still have several more weeks before I will know if this truly is my fix. I will say this though. It has reduced the 15+ times a day spent on the throne. That in itself is acceptable. I will know more when I get my bloodwork done in October for my Endocrinologist's appointment. I go back to see the gastro Doc in January 2024.
18 Aug 23 by member: Heather MacD
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Heather MacD's Weight History
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