Going Off Prevacid After Gall Bladder Removal...Magnesium and Diarrhea Issue - Gallbladder Message Board

paula43 · 07-28-2006, 06:28 AM

I had my gallbladder out 2 1/2 months ago. I have been on Prevacid for 2 years. The GI dr. did an endoscopy a week before I had my gb out just to make sure there are no other problems. He saw mild esophageal irritation and told me this can occur even on Prevacid.

I tried weaning off the Prevacid on my own, taking one every other day. I was ok until I had too many fatty foods and had reflux symptoms (nothing came up, just had back and esophagus pain) a few days ago so I went back on the Prevacid. I would like to try again, promising myself to be on a lowfat, anti-reflux diet. Here is my question: if I switch to magnesium as was suggested by the top thread on this board...I am afraid of diarrhea, which it can give you. I already experienced the bile salt diarrhea and it's no fun never knowing when you have to explode, can't travel, etc.

Is there something I can take along with the magnesium to balance this, to avoid the runs? Is anyone here on a PPI such as Prevacid, Nexium, Prilosec, Aciphex and also had their gallbladder removed...or didn't...and weaned off? Or switched to a milder drug like Zantac? Thanks.

anxiousinnj · 07-28-2006, 07:46 AM

Hi Paula,

I can't help you with your question--I was just put on Prevacid since the gallbladder came out in april. How much magnesium are you planning to take ( sorry didn't read that thread..).
I don't think a usual daily dose of 400-500 mgm will increase or add to your diarrhea issues.

I am doing much better--the pain is just about gone--I don't think about it constantly like I used to. Once in a while I get a pinch in that area, but bearable. I am eating just about anything I want now. Did notice some really bad gas release after eating things like pepper & onions so have to avoid that stuff for a while I guess.

I have stopped driving myself crazy with worry about the SOD stuff...thank God--I had myself crazy with that one.

Hope you are feeling much better soon. How's the porta potty in the car working out? Any tickets from the police yet?

paula43 · 07-28-2006, 08:37 AM

Hi anxiousinnj, I could be you...you sound exactly like me with the SOD thing, I have convinced myself that I have that and every other complication. I am trying to not do this but being that I did not have stones, I read that it's more prevalent. I sometimes wish I didn't have this computer!

I haven't used the potty yet LOL...can you imagine the cops seeing me do that, that would be very embarrassing but when you gotta go, you gotta go! Well, good luck with the Prevacid...why did they give it to you? Did you have an endoscopy to see if you have reflux or was it just based on your symptoms and did you have reflux before the gall bladder surgery?

I put bricks under my bed...even on the Prevacid I had an occasional episode of acid coming into my throat. Since then I do not but still get pains if I have the wrong foods. I have a lot of gas now, if you saw my post about the olive oil, something got me and I had severe upper right side pain, was going to go to the ER, scared to death but I think it may have been gas. Maybe it presses on the surgical site and gives us more ain than before, just a guess but I wish I could just have a normal body. I am glad you're feeling better too, you have been through a lot, I believe it was you who had the MRCP. Thanks so much for replying, I really appreciate it.

Harry · 07-28-2006, 01:08 PM

paula,

You are doing the right thing by elevating the head of your bed to prevent stomach acid from traveling up your esophagus when laying down.

As you know magnesium in material doses is a laxative -- Mlik of Magnesia is magnesium hydroxide, Epson salts is magnesium sulfate, and Magnesium Citrate is what the green botlle says -- a citrate -- ALL are laxatives in material doses. Meaning when you take what it tells you to take for a laxative.

The magnesium that you take as a mineral supplement is only 400 mgms daily and does not cause diarrhea or loose stools.
It is also best to take it in divided doses -- so it is absorbed more readily. If you take it all at once -- you absorb less than 10%.
Taking it 3 times daily --in divided doses --you absorb about 35 to 40%.

Also, the most readily absorbed magnesium is the chelated type. It is attached to a protein amino acid. It is made and patented by Albion Labs and sold to many different companies -- I have used Doctor's Best, Solgar, Kal and Carlson. But, other types work OK but not the best.

I wish you well~~~Harry

paula43 · 07-28-2006, 01:41 PM

Thanks, Harry. I will look it up but one question..is the best type for my purposes chelated magnesium citrate or another form? If it is citrate, will the citrate irritate the stomach? I read blue pumpkins thread but never did get the answer as to what type was best.

Can you recommend the best way to wean off Prevacid, like one every other day, etc.? I know everyone is different but wondering from what you've read, what might be best in order to make the transition to magnesium. Thanks again.