(No Subject)

Has anyone ever been prescribed cholestyramine? My doctors ofc called to tell me that according to path report after a colonoscopy my crohns is actually in remission and the prob with my diarrhea is because I have colonitis. Anyone ever had this happen? I'm so worn out and emotionally drained. Colonoscopy was Mon. Haven't had any of diarrhea since. Like a re-set. It's been a yr since back surgery and MRSA. Haven't had it in control since. I also want to say thanks for all the responses I get from all of you. It's really helps me. Only support system I have. God bless you all!!

Hi Sharon. I think I am one of the biggest proponents of cholestyramine on this board. I say (and my husband tells people too) that it gave me my life back. I have mostly been in remission since my resection in 1990. However, having lost 18" at my TI and my ileo cecal valve, the D was persistent. Having my gallbladder out made it worse as it became highly acidic D that burned my skin. I take a little less than the packet per day and it controls my D pretty consistently. I also rarely feel what I called gut burn--heart burn feeling in my gut anymore.
Granted, it does not work equally well for all....but if D is a major problem for you, I suggest trying it for a month or more.

Take Care

Thank you all not only for the info but also for the support you all have given me. I have no support system here at home and most of the time I don't even have the energy to get on the computer. Lazy, huh? I try to stay positive but when it goes into yrs it's sometimes very depressing. You are all AWESOME!!

Sharon...the times you noted are what I was told to follow. Itdoes make for some challenges but I work around it.
I take the cholesty. first thing in morning then start pills 4 hours later.one doc recommended taking it before bed. That would work in timing other pills, but i am skittish about the cholesty. wearing off too early the next day. You'll have to try what works there. I did change some of my other message to 3twice a day instead of 2 three times a day to help fit things in.

gumby - I can't say that the cholestyramine does not cause C at all. I can say it is not noticeable unless I am also either a) post eating too fiberous a meal for me or b) a little on the strictured side. I generally only have C if one of those two things are happening.

I have cut back how much I use. That is why I like the powder. I empty the packets into an airtight plastic container. I use about a teaspoon mounded...just less than a full packet. If I am having really bad D I go to the full packet, feeling bloated I go to a flat teaspoon. Little difference in amounts so I am not sure it is actually doing anything different or my body just recovered.

With your recent resection, I suspect you will see more of the D.

I can't do the immodium as even a half dose binds me up for 1-2 days. It scares me when that happens as I feel like I did right before I ruptured.