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Cholestyramine to bulk stools

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 3/3/2010 3:52 PM (GMT 0)
     Anyone else take this for bulking up the stool?  My doctor prescribed it.  You mix it with orange juice.  I have been afraid to start it because my hubby took it last week and it gave him stomach cramps but then he has no bowel issues.  He took it because he was constipated.  My problem is the opposite.  I also have diverticulosis in addition to the UP.
Posted 3/3/2010 3:54 PM (GMT 0)
I take this first thing in the morning.  I take a full scoop mixed with water.  I drink it really fast because it is NASTY.  I was taking a half a scoop they told me to take a full scoop about a month ago.  I do notice a difference.  I had alot of D in the morning and not so much now.  I've never had problems with cramps.  Good Luck!!
Posted 3/3/2010 5:57 PM (GMT 0)
I have been on this since December 2008.  It was prescribed for me because I had D since 1993 when I had my gallbladder removed.  It originally took 4g twice a day, mixed with water but have since reduced it to 4g once daily.  I originally used the orange flavored one but switched to the sugar free lemon-lime flavor.  It works like a HOT darn!  I love it because now, other than when I am flaring, I RARELY ever have D.  Thoughts of "where is a bathroom" no longer rule my day.  I am no longer scared to go on road trips, snowmobiling, boating, etc.

 I don't find the taste bad at all, but the texture is a bit gritty.  If I let is sit for a few minutes before mixing it, it lessens the grittiness.  Make sure you don't take it within a few hours of other meds in case it binds with them.  The only problem I have with it, is that it gives me heartburn occasionally so I usually take a Zantac (150mg) about an hour before I drink it. 

Posted 3/3/2010 6:09 PM (GMT 0)
can you take this for IBS? My mom has ISB-D and this really sounds like it would help her. Right now a lot od D isnt my issue, more cramps :(
Posted 3/3/2010 6:26 PM (GMT 0)
It is used for lowering cholesterol and as an anti-diarrheal.  She could ask her doctor about it.  There are some meds that can't be taken within a few hours of it so that might be a concern if she is on other meds.......
Posted 3/3/2010 6:44 PM (GMT 0)
I take it 3 times a day. I mix it with orange gatorade or orange juice. I don't mind the taste--it's just the texture that's kinda gross. I don't know that's it's helping me much, but with how much output I have WITH it, I'm afraid to cut it out
Posted 6/22/2011 12:10 PM (GMT 0)
   I have had Colitis for 7 long hard years. I was going 10 to 15 times a day and married to my toliet.

   My Dr try many drugs to treat me with little luck.

  I saw   Cholestyramine mention on the internet and told my DR about it.

I got a Pres. from him and today is my 5th  day on this med. I now go to bathroom 1 to 3 times a day. I feel like a new person. I just hope this med keeps working over time.

   I do have some cramping BUT what a small price to pay to be well.

  This drug is worth trying  if your DR says its ok.

  Good luck all. !

Posted 6/22/2011 1:43 PM (GMT 0)
I just started on Welchol on Monday night.  It is the same thing only I am taking it in pill form.  It comes in powder also.  I think I read the Welchol pills might take a while for full effect. 

 It seems to have bulked things up a bit more.  I am taking at bedtime to help with my mornings that are my worst time.  Yesterday it seems like it just postponed things now until I am not home.  Ugh.  I used to go about 4-5 times after waking up and be good for the day.  Now it is later in the morning when I am already out.  I just want to go once instead of several small times.

I hope it works for you Christine. 

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