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.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.

I have had diarrhea at various levels since I had my large intestine removed 3 years ago because I had a blockage, malrotation, and diverticulitis. I take 4 colestipols and 4 citrucils a day plus 4 or 5 pepto pills with some success. I have now diagnosed with ulcerative colitis; I did have some blood for a while. It seems that my anastomosis has some large intestine in it. To me that whatever is going on with me is a moving target.

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Profile picture for pepperk @pepperk

@joanne1627
Thank you. Do you take the tablets? I'm trying one tablet with lunch and one at dinner right now and it seems to be helping. I also try to limit fat and dairy and I don't eat gluten because I have celiac disease too. I was taking it on an empty stomach at bedtime but I would have a lot of stomach pain and loose stools in the morning.
I might try colestipol instead.

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@pepperk yes I take tablets, 2 in AM, 4 in PM

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