1. < Digestive Health

Bile Acid Malabsorption

Posted by nychole3080 @nychole3080, Sep 20, 2024

Is anyone out there on bile acid sequestrants for bile acid malabsorption? I had severe, chronic diarrhea for over 15 years (starting after my cholecystectomy) until after IBS diagnoses, several colonoscopies and other GI studies, I finally told a new GI provider that I'd had enough of living my life around going to the bathroom. He prescribed colestid, and my life has drastically improved. Just like that.

At first, I was relieved. When I went for my annual physical at a Duke Health clinic recently, I was eager to say my new diagnosis of bile acid malabsorption. The nurse asked me to repeat it. She searched a bit more. Asked me again. She couldn't find such a diagnosis. My relief has turned into frustration. Why is this seemingly common problem that can SO easily be treated overlooked? After a sleepless night, I tried looking online for more info about it from Duke. I found a study from the 80s. So then I tried the Merck Manual. Nothing. In the UK, it's completely recognized as a disease and even qualifies as a disability. NIH has many studies performed by scientists in other countries showing this issue is most likely much more common with people being incorrectly diagnosed with IBS and IBD. It seems only the Mayo Clinic recognizes this disease. I want to know who all is out there with this problem? A support group for this in the US could be so immensely helpful.

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jeepgrl | @jeepgrl | Feb 14 4:31pm
In reply to @beebe "Like you I backed off from using it only when absolutely necessary, I got a scary..." + (show)
@beebe

Like you I backed off from using it only when absolutely necessary, I got a scary fecal impaction once from a small dose and was so relieved when the sucker finally dropped out. The cholestryamine is great for recovering from the colonoscopy prep and the flu. Otherwise eggshell calcium seems to work fairly well for me, I am satisfied with a softer poo as long as it is formed into logs.

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Eggshell calcium?

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1 reply
beebe | @beebe | 6 days ago
In reply to @jeepgrl "Eggshell calcium?" + (show)
@jeepgrl

Eggshell calcium?

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Yes, instead of taking calcium citrate for my calcium I take eggshell calcium made from eggs I eat or you can purchase it from Swanson vitamins. https://www.swansonvitamins.com/p/swanson-ultra-eggshell-calcium-vitamin-d3-120-caps
Here is a link if you want to make your own and try it. I always use organic eggs as they have thicker shells and I a higher mineral content (my guess that is why they are harder).
https://www.peteandgerrys.com/blogs/field-notes/diy-eggshell-calcium-powder

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yani2023 | @yani2023 | 1 day ago
In reply to @cherawgirl "I too struggled with BAM for years without knowing what it was. Lost a lot of..." + (show)
@cherawgirl

I too struggled with BAM for years without knowing what it was. Lost a lot of weight. I finally stumbled upon it after no help from Drs. and realized its what I have after gallbladder removal. I used cholestyramine but didn't like it. I have recently started on Colestid(Colestipol) tablets and they are tolerable. I've yet to find the best dosage since it can cause constipation but the relief of not having to stay by the bathroom every morning, and to the point of having to wear sanitary napkins is indescribable.

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Hi,
My heart goes out to you. I had a kidney transplant three years ago Dec 2024. In spring 2024 Came down with covid which last about three month. Then a month worth of kidney rejection of which I was treat for with IVG infusion. THen from no where I started to loose my bowels. PA's and Doctors believed ( not sure it was as a result of covid and all the anti rejection medication I am taking. THe loose bowels went on for months until I was prescribe Entera Gam
an the cholestyramine. This saved my life. I fine it disparaging that the gastro surgeon never mention this condition which I later learned happens to some people post gallbladder surgery..
Medicare does not cover Entera Gam as is not consider a drug , IT is serum derived bovine immunoglobulin/protein isolate with 5 gram of dextrose /glucose & trace of sunflowe lecithin,,
Both are pretty expensive. I continued to research and found several vitamin company which also sell this bovine powder. IT appears I will be taking this for life. If it keep my kidney transplant in good health, it will be worth it. I am calling my medicare rep to see if I can possible have the Cholestyramine cover. IT's worth a try, Good Luck. Additionally, Food choices are vey strict for me today. Good Luck

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