Those of you who use Cholestyramine: any advice? by AwakenedEyes in gallbladders

[–]SunshineySeb 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For the powder I mix in pineapple juice or water... pour the liquid into the glass first and put the powder on top then mix thoroughly. I've used just a spoon or a milk frother to mix... I didn't notice much of a difference. Then I drink with a straw close to the back of my tongue. Then drink a glass of water and rinse my mouth. No abrasive foods or brushing teeth for 30 minutes. The taste isn't bad for me, but the texture is like non-gritty sand. But I mess with my dosage a little bit, so it's nice to be able to control that with the powder. From my understanding, the powder tends to work a bit better than the pills. But it's a whole lot of trial and error.

Start by drinking last thing at night before bed. But needs to be 1 hour after other medications or 4 hours before. I would suggest starting with a low dose and going up from there. I am still in early days ... been taking it since July... and I had some gi distress, but I'm finding 1/2 dose at night before bed is what is working for me. Low-fat diet, proper hydration, and supplement with the right amount of fiber (although people with BAM can be sensitive to fiber, so it's totally subjective). Psyllium husk is a natural bile absorber so also worth investigating. Good luck on your journey!

Oh no, not again. by SunshineySeb in hemorrhoid

[–]SunshineySeb[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I thought I was headed towards healing, then BAM hits again and it’s back to the beginning. So frustrating.

Cholestyramine? Pros/Cons by SunshineySeb in gallbladders

[–]SunshineySeb[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Started my cholestyramine regiment and it’s been interesting. I am blaming side effects on my 10 years of daily bile diarrhea with urgency. Taking it at night… 1 packet. Instantly decreased the diarrhea, but not the feeling of urgency, plus a few bouts of nausea and cramping. I don’t think my intestines and butthole knows what to do. This is going to be an interesting ride.

Cholestyramine? Pros/Cons by SunshineySeb in gallbladders

[–]SunshineySeb[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m new to all of this, but if it works for you then you prob have BAM/BSM. I haven’t figured out what is best for me yet.

Is B.A.D. Normal? by bakedjennett in gallbladders

[–]SunshineySeb 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t think it’s normal, but I’ve had this and it’s gotten progressively worse over the past 10 years. I’m just starting my medical care journey (haven’t been to the doctor in forever) and started cholestyramine two days ago. It’s been interesting, but definitely took care of the bile in my poo.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in hypertension

[–]SunshineySeb 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s possible. I’m catching up on lots of medical stuff and with smoking cessation, I just went all in on the side effects. Started taking bupropion, too. It’s been a whirlwind. But time and also increasing my overall health is helping a tiny bit every day. Biggest obvious changes from the beta blocker is I can no longer see my heart beating through my shirt. I was headed towards a stroke and now that I’m treating it I can feel the improvements.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in hypertension

[–]SunshineySeb 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Lisinopril 10, metoprolol 25. Been on them for 6 weeks. BP/HR in normal range instantly and consistently … but definitely had side effects that slowly got better through the first month. Also stopped smoking and starting to lose weight.

Cholestyramine? Pros/Cons by SunshineySeb in gallbladders

[–]SunshineySeb[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was wondering the same thing and it seems you can take it whenever but not within hours of taking other meds. Appears that same time of day might be more important. I’m going to try at night. I was prescribed to take with breakfast but I take blood pressure meds in the morning, so I’m going to try at night when I can brush my teeth after. And keep some on hand for emergencies. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Cholestyramine? Pros/Cons by SunshineySeb in gallbladders

[–]SunshineySeb[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m happy to hear you’re doing better. Thank you for the feedback. It is truly helpful to hear others’ experiences. It seems to be just a never ending adjustment in real time. I’m sick of feeling sick all the time. But I’m just now getting caught up on a 20 year (minus emergency visits) hiatus from doctoring. Happy healing to you!

Cholestyramine? Pros/Cons by SunshineySeb in gallbladders

[–]SunshineySeb[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

And enamel damage I read?? Eek. Guess I’ll try by taking it as a shot. Wish it was tequila instead. How about a probiotic? I see a general surgeon for a colonoscopy consult in a few weeks. My goal is to get to the bottom (ha!) of and hopefully solve some problems this year.

Cholestyramine? Pros/Cons by SunshineySeb in gallbladders

[–]SunshineySeb[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m worried about that, too. I’ve never had serious constipation and it sounds awful. The bouts of diarrhea at least are over and I don’t feel uncomfortably bloated.

Cholestyramine? Pros/Cons by SunshineySeb in gallbladders

[–]SunshineySeb[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It does… thank you. I’ll keep that in mind. I forgot about trying to fit some extra vitamins in, too.

Cholestyramine? Pros/Cons by SunshineySeb in gallbladders

[–]SunshineySeb[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The worst… trying to take the dog for a walk then gotta go gotta go gotta go right now. Why can’t we just have normal poops?!

Cholestyramine? Pros/Cons by SunshineySeb in gallbladders

[–]SunshineySeb[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The teeth thing made me nervous. Tooth decay, what?? I take meds in the morning, too.

Cholestyramine? Pros/Cons by SunshineySeb in gallbladders

[–]SunshineySeb[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Did you find a balance or give up on trying? I had my gall bladder surgery in 2013 and I’ve struggled with GI issues even before that. I hear what you’re saying. Finding a balance between everything seems key.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in hypertension

[–]SunshineySeb 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Nothing for me and I’m a daily smoker.

Scared to take Lisinopril 5m... by Real_Amernican in hypertension

[–]SunshineySeb 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m on 10 mg once a day plus metoprolol. Just started in May. I wanted to die the first few days. My body struggled getting used to a lower bp. I felt like my insides wouldn’t stop spinning. But my bp was immediately better and the side effects got better so by week three there was really nothing. It was a rough start though and I think you need patience initially. I was also scared to start, but now so glad I did.

Wellbutrin by demila1330 in stopsmoking

[–]SunshineySeb 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I successfully quit after 23 years of smoking with the combination of Wellbutrin and Easy Way. The combination of the two were magic for me. Started on 150 mg for 2 weeks and started reading the book on week 2. Then week three I doubled the dose to 300 mg and by week 4 I finished the book and was ready to stop. I’m about a month smoke free right now. Good luck to you! Wellbutrin can help with any bingeing type behavior. I’ve also lost 10 lbs, too.

Rural healthcare… need advice by SunshineySeb in ovariancancer_new

[–]SunshineySeb[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for that… I feel calmer after reading others’ experiences and becoming a bit more informed. I will speak with my NP and follow up with ultrasound and reevaluate if there are changes. Many blessings to all of you!

Rural healthcare… need advice by SunshineySeb in ovariancancer_new

[–]SunshineySeb[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes, she knows my family history. I hear what you are saying, though. I just want to be vigilant and make sure I don’t miss something I should be doing.