Postby weisssoccermom » Mon Oct 30, 2017 9:25 pm
YEARS ago when I had my gallbladder removed, I had severe problems with diarrhea.....didn't matter what I ate or didn't eat.....and apparently the 'diarrhea' thing is a common problem (although the docs never tell YOU about it unless YOU ask) after gallbladder surgery. Anyway, after I approached my surgeon, he put me on a drug called Questran. A few years back, I mentioned it on this board and there have been members who have tried it with great success. It works totally differently than something like Immodium. Originally labeled as a cholesterol lowering drug, QUESTRAN is also used to control diarrhea that can't be controlled by other OTC meds like Immodium or even Rx meds like Lomotil. QUESTRAN binds with the bile salts in your intestine to help control the diarrhea. I'm not saying it will work BUT....it is certainly worth asking about.
The only downside is that it is a powder that must be mixed with a liquid. It's not gritty like Metamucil.....just rather yucky. The typical dosing is for patients with high cholesterol problems (honestly, it is an older drug so seriously doubt how many patients take this drug anymore instead of statins) so BEWARE. Take TOO much and it binds you up....almost TOO much. In my experience, it is better to start lower and work your way up to the maximum dose. Piece of advice....drink plenty of water. Also, if anyone takes QUESTRAN, do NOT mix it with anything carbonated. It will act like the volcano experiment school age kids do! (OJ works really well for mixing).
Just something to think about and bring up with your doctor.
Good luck.
Dx 6/22/2006 IIA rectal cancer
6 wks rad/Xeloda -finished 9/06
1st attempt transanal excision 11/06
11/17/06 XELOX 1 cycle
5 months Xeloda only Dec '06 - April '07
10+ blood clots, 1 DVT 1/07
transanal excision 4/20/07 path-NO CANCER CELLS!
NED now and forever!
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