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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 5/15/2019 9:10 PM (GMT 0)
I had my second resection back in 2017 and after some trial and error, I am taking two Imodium in the morning before breakfast and another two after lunch. Based on this regimen, I usually go #2 in the morning once a day.

During a recent GI appointment, I complained about not having firm stool, because it’s either loose or watery. My GI doctor prescribed Questran. I tried taking one pouch in the morning and not taking any Imodium, but the results were not favorable. I ended up going #2 multiple times in one day and my stool was not firm.

I back on Imodium. I would like to hear how others are taking Questran. How often? When? And does it help with firming your stool?

On a side note, I am in remission (per my GI doctor) and take 6MP and 8 week Inflectra.
Posted 5/15/2019 9:43 PM (GMT 0)
My GI warned me that Questran can cause abdominal pain if you have a stricture by firming up the stool and making it bulkier. He also said it reduces urgency. Well, as far as I can make out, my stool isn't one whit bulkier and the urgency is still hideous. What it has done for me is reduce the bile acid and thus the insane anal itching I would get - bile acid must be the itchiest substance on earth.

You could always try an extra packet. I think you can take up to 4 packets a day, but do be careful about interactions with meds or food (it can bind with medication or fat-soluble vitamins and reduce their absorption). However if Questran doesn't do anything for you, I would go back to the Imodium.
Posted 5/16/2019 12:52 PM (GMT 0)
There are other options. Questran didn’t work for me. My GI switched me to welchol and it is working much better. I still have occasional breakthroughs, but I manage. It did take about 3 to 4 days to get the full effect. Btw, I take 3 pills in am, 1 pill mid day and 3 more at dinner.

Hope this helps
Posted 5/16/2019 6:11 PM (GMT 0)
I have actually had great luck on cholestyramine (generic questran). I had an 18" resection then really needed the drug after my gb was removed. I will say it took some time (both the first time I started and the most recent time) for it to kick in. about a week. My GI has been an advocate for 2 packets a day for me...and take 1 at night. He thinks nighttime is abetter time to take it. I actually find I need less than a packet a day most days. mirowpl mentioned welchol---I wanted to try it since it is easier to travel with, but I need the flexibility of more or less meds depending on the day.
I would say perhaps try the powder for a whole week, then if that is not successful ask your GI about 2 a day. Then think about other options. Honestly, I go only once a day now and my husband says this med gave us both our lives back.
Posted 6/4/2019 5:21 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all the informative replies. This is what I am currently doing as it relates to Questran. I take one packet at night before I go to bed then 2 Imodium after lunch. Based on this regimen, I've been having only one BM in the morning, about 2 hours after I wake up. Plus, I've noticed some stool formation, which is great news. My goal is to get off Imodium, so I'll try one packet of Questran at night and nothing else to see what happens.

On a related note, I am on 6-MP and 8 weeks Inflectra. Based on my most recent colonoscopy, my GI doctor said I am in remission. The doctor saw no signs of inflammation. This is such great news. After another colonoscopy later this year, we'll evaluate whether to ween off either 6-MP or Inflectra. What do you all think?
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