Hi, Jane. I'm the one who recommended that TX try Colestid. As far as the scientific name it is cholestyramine resin. However, after reading your posts and the problems you're having with bloating, etc., I'm not sure Colestid is the right thing for you.
I began taking Colestid after reading on these posts and doing 'net research about a condition called bile salt diarrhea. Basically, I have IBS with uncontrollable and explosive diarrhea, especially after meals. I wasn't getting bloated, or gassy, just making runs (literally) to the bathroom several times within a short period and several times a day.
Colestid helps to soak up excess bile the liver produces during digestion. It's this excess of bile secreted in the small intestine during digestion that causes some people (like me) to have terrible diarrhea. Therefore, it helps me to have formed stools. I'm on a smaller dose than someone who takes it for high cholesterol (I take 2 tablets every morning). But I have to tell you the most significant side effect is constipation and possible bowel obstruction. So if you have any tendency toward constipation, Colestid (or Questran in powder form) MAY NOT be the right thing for you.
Please do some research on the 'net or scientific journals about it before trying it. I know the feeling of desperation (I was close to suicidal in dealing with my IBS), but I do not want you to think it will be the cure-all you need. I would be very concerned about you taking it considering the significant bloating/pain you deal with prior to BM's. I do not want to give you misinformation that could be dangerous to you. I only shared my info with TX because his symptoms sounded like mine used to be.
Please try to get your doctor to give you a colonoscopy first before trying anything. I am very worried that Colestid may not be the right remedy for your symptoms.
Thank you so much for the info you gave me. I actually did some reading up on the net after I wrote that post last night, and I think you may be right. I don't think it would be suitable for me. However, I'm still going to discuss it with a Dr. I'm actually assisting with Colonoscopies at work this afternoon, so I will as the surgeon if he's heard of using colestid for IBS. It upsets me to think that today, yet another person will be diagnosed with this aweful condition. I don't know if I'll be able to bring myself to tell him that I'm asking because of me though. I feel guilty having "corridor consultations" anyway. So I may just ask as a "general enquiry". As for getting a colonoscopy for myself, I've decided to fabricate symptoms, and I'm going to tell my Dr that I have blood in my stools. I feel it's the only way I'll get a referral to a specialist. Once I get the referral, I'll then tell the specialist what I'd done (I work with the specialist, so he'd understand). The last 4 days have been absolutely awful for me, but I'm putting that down to the stress of the festive season. Usually, I'm pain free in the mornings, but not the last few days. It's been 24/7. I also have abdominal adhesions which need to be "fixed", so I don't think that's helping either. I was planning on getting them done in the new year, so hopefully I can have a colonoscopy at the same time. Now I just have to not think of the embarassment that I'll have by going into my workplace and having my bum on view to all my workmates!!! Having said that though, I had a gynae operation in my hospital, and I coped with that OK. Was very hard going back to work afterwards though. No-one said anything to me, but it was still very hard to look some of them in the eye. It's so different when you're the one on the table. When you're the nurse, you just take it for granted. But I suppose to a "normal" person, they'd probably have no idea what strange positions they're being put into for their operations anyway!!
OK, enough rambling from me. Thanx again for your help Katie. I appreciate it immensly.
Jane (ps. want some hot weather?? Has been over 103 every day for the last 2 weeks, and doesn't look like letting up)
Hi Jane. Yeah, I'd love some of your warm weather (not 103 however) here in Michigan - blah, winter is here, no snow on the ground, but COLD. Freezing rain is predicted for tomorrow - yippee.........
Anyway, please keep me posted on how things go for you. It must be hard to work at the same place that the testing will be done. But if your colleagues are professionals, they shouldn't be commenting on your appearance during a procedure anyway.
I don't blame you for fabricating symptoms if it will get your the diagnosis you need. I will keep you in my prayers/thoughts. Please don't be disappointed if the diagnosis is IBS - although this is an exasperating condition at least it's not cancer. Hopefully, others will respond to your posts with suggestions on what worked for them. Keep up with fiber and calcium supplements since they are good for you anyway, and may eventually help you. Keep taking acidophilus caps for good digestive health too, even if it doesn't seem to be working. And finally, please don't be too hard on yourself; with IBS, you need to still look at each day as a gift, and love yourself.
I don't care if the diagnosis comes back as IBS, at least it rules out everything else. It will be nice to know for sure after 30 something years! I've contacted the IBS association of Australia, and will be speaking to them by phone on thursday. The people there are all sufferers, so hopefully (I'm confident), they'll be able to help. I'm actually quite excited about speaking to them. It's given me a glimmer of hope. Having said that everyone here has given me hope too! Your kind words (and others) have made such a difference already.
Colestid 
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