my gall bladder has been removed and I have diverticulitis

I have never discussed this with anyone other than doctors but I am almost at my wits end. I had my gall bladder removed in 1987 and since then, my BM's have never been the same.  I do not digest food very well. about 5 years ago I developed diverticulitis. I am supposed to take citracel for fiber and eat a high fiber diet. I also take daily colon health capsules which was my doctors suggestion. I do not eat too much junk food since I had my gall bladder removed. I really for the most part (except I do cheat at times) eat a pretty healthy diet. I have no idea what triggers these episodes but I have very runny BM's with no warning. On several occassions I have used the bathroom on myself, even down my legs at work. I have to change clothes. This is starting to really get embarrassing because I have no warning and there has been people in my office when it starts. I have to excuse myself and get to the bathroom as fast as I can. I am starting to feel anxiety right after lunch every day if anyone comes to my office. When I don't have loose BM's then I have uncontrollable gas. I have had a colonoscopy and other than the confirmation of diverticulitis, nothing else was wrong. I have tried to pinpoint the problem to a particular food but cannot. It's like certain foods don't digest, they go straight through me. First I thought it was dairy products but I have ruled that out. If anyone has any suggestions of what I can do, I would appreciate it. I am 50 years old and too young for depends. This is very embarrassing!! I can't talk to any friends about this.

Some people that have their gall bladder removed develop what is called bile-salt diarrhea. There is a very good description of why this happens at the this link: http://www.gihealth.com/html/education/bilesaltDiarrhea.html 

 

This link also describes medication that can help control the problem. Diet also plays a roll because the more fat one consumes the more likely that diarrhea will be a problem.

The medications mentioned in the article are prescription only. You will have to ask your doctor about it. I hope it works for you.

I have Post Cholecystectomy Syndrome and your symptoms certainly sound like a match. I have lived with this for a year and a half. Yes, Questran is the typical medicine prescribed, but keep in mind Welchol is perhaps another option to discuss with your gastroenterolgist. Both medicines not only bind with the bile to give a more formed BM, but can also bind with other certain medicines. So timing of medicines is important. Welchol, I've heard by others is tolerated better than Questran in regards to side effects. Each person is different though. Both medicines can reduce your fat soluable vitamin levels too. Another thought is to talk with your physician regarding a trial of Calcium Carbonate w/ vitamin D with a meal as this is a natural constipator/ acid reducer. If morning diarrhea is the worst, maybe try it with a snack before bed.