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Mixed IBS or post-cholecystectomy syndrome?

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 6/13/2012 8:24 PM (GMT 0)
I have had a lifetime of intestinal issues, as I was born with intestinal defects. For most of my life, this meant loose or unformed, unpredictable BMs, and wearing diapers to get by. Often I controlled it with immodium and I would say for the first 25 years of my life I was never constipated. I've had various corrective surgeries that have improved control, but never made me "normal."

In Oct 2010, I had my gallbladder removed. Since then my bowel habits have changed considerably. At first I thought it a blessing. I could finally tell when a BM was coming and I could get to the bathroom. And they weren't loose like they used to be (for the most part). But as time has gone on, I'll go days without having a BM, and then when it comes, my intestines cramp up horribly. It's very painful and usually comes on suddenly soon after eating. Then (usually) the BM goes from very firm to extremely loose (even possibly pure bile) from beginning to end.

I saw some interesting things in this older discussion: https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=26&m=470576 I didn't see anything about people who were experiencing the mixed IBS-type symptoms, however.

My doctor had me do a CT in November. There were several other things that popped up, but nothing intestinal except for a hernia. I had that repaired in March. I'm still having the same symptoms.

As I am a teacher, this has become very problematic for when I have to rush to the restroom. I'm blessed that I work at a school where I have a coteacher who con cover for me, but I really need try and get some control here, if I can. Help?
Posted 6/15/2012 3:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hi! I just joined the forums today, since I do so much of my own investigating here :-)

I've suffered from what appeared to be IBS-D for the last 10 years. I've tried every elimination diet imaginable - gluten, dairy, insoluble fiber... etc. The past 2 years I've resorted to barely eating and popping imodium like candy just to "get by".

Last week I had laparoscopic cholecystectomy due to gallstones and inflammation that have been causing intermittent attacks for the past 5 years.

I was interested to hear that you had improvement of your symptoms post-op. As have I, even though I was concerned I would be one of the unlucky few who end up with post-cholecystectomy syndrome.

The reduction of diarrhea after gallbladder removal can sometimes be attributed to the fact that inflammation of the organ was causing those symptoms in the first place. In your case I wonder, since you wouldn't be likely to have had gallbladder inflammation for as long as you've had your symptoms.

The body doesn't digest fat quite as well without a functioning gallbladder, so a low fat, small portion diet has been helpful for me in the past few months.

If you've tried this too without relief, have you also tried cholestyramine (Questran)? It helps to bind bile acids and may help relive bile related diarrhea.

Good luck in your search for relief! It's nice to know we don't have to go it alone :-)
Posted 6/17/2012 3:41 AM (GMT 0)
To the OP, what exactly is your diet like? That's great that you had the CT scan to eliminate any concerns in the intestines. Are you getting enough water(8-10 glasses daily) plus enough fiber (25-30 grams daily)? I would also try taking a Probiotic and eating organic yogurt, such as Stonyfield, to try and calm down that digestive tract. It is difficult to get enough fiber/water in order to have well formed and regular bowel movements. You might ask your doctor about a fiber supplement such as Citrucel or Metamucil, just remember to drink the recommended amount of water so as not to become constipated. When I had my gallbladder removed, I ate no fat for many months afterward because I was one to get diarrhea otherwise. I am almost back to normal over a year later, I still don't eat fatty greasy foods and spicy foods as well as acidic food, it bothers my stomach. This can still mean an instant trip to the restroom!! I took Welchol after my surgery but had to quit taking it as it caused horrid constipation for me! Good luck and let us know how you are doing, Ruth
Posted 6/18/2012 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
I suppose I should have also mentioned the fiber thing is also helping for me post cholecystectomy. It never did anything for me before I had my gallbladder out (leading me to believe it was in fact an inflammation thing). I've found success with metamucil powder, but I know for others it's trial and error to see which kind works best with your individual digestion.

The other thing to try is Caltrate Plus D. It's been working out well for me the last 2 weeks. The added calcium is helpful since I'm not eating much dairy due to the fat content, but the main benefit is that it acts as a bulking agent as well. 1 600mg pill/day with lunch or dinner has been just right for me, but some people take 2 doses/day before they see results.
Posted 6/20/2012 11:28 PM (GMT 0)
Its Bile Salt diarrhea for me too after gall bladder removal. Being i have a higher than normal cholesteral my doc put me on Welchol( it also lowers cholesteral). It is constipating but a nightly stool softener usually keeps me going.I can't take callcium because I run into hypercalcemia if I do. So far my life is back to normal . I'd much rather have to deal with constipation than the painful diarrhea.
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