Has anyone ever taken Welchol? For after gallbladder removal issues.......

[MIGrandma]

After dealing with this for years, everything I tried stopped working for me. The calcium pills no longer helped me.
Went back to a different Dr who finally believed me and diagnosed me with the bile salts problem. I started taking the Questran as mentioned by the PP. It was horrible! The most disgusting thing I have ever had to drink. Also, since it is like a sponge it absorbs everything, even your vitamin intake so you have to make sure you take it hours before or after any vitamins. It didn't work for me anyway, so we tried Welchol.

Currently and for the past 2 years I have been taking 1 multi vitamin in the morning with breakfast, and then 3 welchol pills with lunch. It worked well in the beginning. Now I am seeing a GI to try to get to the bottom of this. What could be happening is yes I have the bile salts issue but I could have something else going on too. All my blood work was normal, except my vitamin D was low. Right now my Dr has me trying a Gluten free diet. He has had patients with the same issues as me and this worked for them Sometimes after having your gallbladder is removed your whole digestive system changes. So, I don't have celiac disease according to the blood work but I may be allergic to gluten. Also there are enzymes you can take to help with the digestive system. Gluten free has been really hard for me because all I eat is bread and pasta! The gluten free kind is gross, especially the bread. Also, for me it only has made a difference in bloating which has gone down, but I still have stomach isssues.

Next thing my Dr suggested is an MRI to see if any stones are left in my bile duct. It so then he will remove them. If that isn't the case then he wants to do a colonoscapy. That is the only way to know for certain what is going on. Sometimes Celiac doesn't show up in a blood test. Same thing for Chrones disease, the only way to know for sure is to go in and see.

This has been a hellish journey for me that I wouldn't wish on anyone. I just want to be normal again and the whole thing really stinks! I am at the point where I am just ready for the colonoscapy because I really can't take it anymore. My days have to planned around these stomach issues.

Wow, this is an old, old thread! But I did want to comment on what you had to say. I had my gall bladder out in '77, never had any stomach issues until about 2000. Had "going issues" as in the big "D" almost daily, always in the morning and that as years progressed, sometimes in the afternoon and evening as well. Finally talked to my doctor about it and she prescribed Bentyl, saying it wouldn't stop the "going" but would reduce the number of times per day. It helped, some. Then they said it was IBS, and that was that. Well, I did some research and decided to try the gluten free diet on my own, and I do much, much better when I follow it perfectly.

I did have a colonoscopy when I was 51 (I am 53 now) and they didn't find anything at all wrong.

I agree with you about the bread, most of it is horrible. I just bought a loaf of Scharr multi-grain and it is pretty good. I don't make sandwiches with it, since the slices are so teeny tiny, but just toast it in the morning for breakfast. I've gotten used to the gluten free pasta, and really like the Tinkyada brand. But I don't have it often.

I am also diabetic so between trying to cut out sugar and all sweets and most carbs, and staying away from things with wheat gluten it is sometimes hard to find things to eat. For me it's mostly lean meats, vegetables and fruit. Oatmeal for breakfast most mornings. I still "go" a couple times a day, but usually in the mornings and then I can get on with my day.

But. I'm wondering if I'm developing a sensitivity to sugar free things, because the last couple of nights I have had "going issues" all evening, very badly. The only things questionable on my diet (I keep a food journal) were sugar free items.

So, I'm going to cut out sugar free too and see if that helps. It is a hard thing to deal with, the "going issues" and constantly worrying about not having a bathroom nearby. My issues get worse when I get nervous too. I had to decline an invitation to spend a day shopping the other day, because I didn't want to worry about finding a bathroom if I needed one quickly. I hate living with this, but there isn't much I can do.

I may ask about the Welchol at my next doctor's appointment in November, and see what he says. Can't hurt to try it. And I've decided to buy some Imodium to keep on hand for when the "issues" are bad, like the last two evenings have been.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Had this issue immediately after my gall bladder removal. Called doctor when it was so bad I was bleedly profusely. Doctor prescribed Cholestryramine -- it's also a cholesterol lowering med, but works beautifully. I started out taking it 2x a day (powder mixed in water) but that caused the opposite problem. I'm now taking 1/2 a packet once a day and it's perfect!

 

[RitaZ.]

Well, this is an old one! Anyway, it has been close to 5 yrs. since I had my GB removed and I no longer have "the problem".

 

[Desnik]

Wow, this is an old, old thread! But I did want to comment on what you had to say. I had my gall bladder out in '77, never had any stomach issues until about 2000. Had "going issues" as in the big "D" almost daily, always in the morning and that as years progressed, sometimes in the afternoon and evening as well. Finally talked to my doctor about it and she prescribed Bentyl, saying it wouldn't stop the "going" but would reduce the number of times per day. It helped, some. Then they said it was IBS, and that was that. Well, I did some research and decided to try the gluten free diet on my own, and I do much, much better when I follow it perfectly.

I did have a colonoscopy when I was 51 (I am 53 now) and they didn't find anything at all wrong.

I agree with you about the bread, most of it is horrible. I just bought a loaf of Scharr multi-grain and it is pretty good. I don't make sandwiches with it, since the slices are so teeny tiny, but just toast it in the morning for breakfast. I've gotten used to the gluten free pasta, and really like the Tinkyada brand. But I don't have it often.

I am also diabetic so between trying to cut out sugar and all sweets and most carbs, and staying away from things with wheat gluten it is sometimes hard to find things to eat. For me it's mostly lean meats, vegetables and fruit. Oatmeal for breakfast most mornings. I still "go" a couple times a day, but usually in the mornings and then I can get on with my day.

But. I'm wondering if I'm developing a sensitivity to sugar free things, because the last couple of nights I have had "going issues" all evening, very badly. The only things questionable on my diet (I keep a food journal) were sugar free items.

So, I'm going to cut out sugar free too and see if that helps. It is a hard thing to deal with, the "going issues" and constantly worrying about not having a bathroom nearby. My issues get worse when I get nervous too. I had to decline an invitation to spend a day shopping the other day, because I didn't want to worry about finding a bathroom if I needed one quickly. I hate living with this, but there isn't much I can do.

I may ask about the Welchol at my next doctor's appointment in November, and see what he says. Can't hurt to try it. And I've decided to buy some Imodium to keep on hand for when the "issues" are bad, like the last two evenings have been.

I feel your pain! I can't tell you how many times I have had to miss out on things because they were during the afternoon and that is the worst time for me. It is embarrasing and I worry all the time about a bathroom nearby. The thing is for me I have good days and bad days so I just never know. One day I can eat a waffle for breakfast and be fine two days later I eat a waffle and I can't leave the house! It is so frustrating because there doesn't seem to be any rhym or reason to it. I also cannot digest dairy and have a soy allergy so like you it is so hard to find things to eat. I can't have anything fried, no fast food which is a good thing, and I haven't had icecream in 5 years!!! I tried eating icecream and taking a lactaid pill and it didn't work.
Talk to your Dr about the Welchol, it may help you!

Had this issue immediately after my gall bladder removal. Called doctor when it was so bad I was bleedly profusely. Doctor prescribed Cholestryramine -- it's also a cholesterol lowering med, but works beautifully. I started out taking it 2x a day (powder mixed in water) but that caused the opposite problem. I'm now taking 1/2 a packet once a day and it's perfect!

I tried it and it didn't work for me but I am so happy for you that you found something that worked! That's great news! You are very lucky that the 1st thing you tried worked.

Well, this is an old one! Anyway, it has been close to 5 yrs. since I had my GB removed and I no longer have "the problem".

That is great news!!! Good for you!!

 

[Magix]

Very enlightening thread! Now I much better understand what happens with my intestinal system most mornings. Dang, I feel much better knowing what's going on and what causes it. Thankfully, the issues aren't typically bad after the morning, unless I'm particularly nervous or excited. Well, I'm gassy ALL THE TIME, but at least the "going" issue doesn't tend to be obnoxious later in the day. I swear, though, when I have my first meal of the morning, sometimes I'm tempted to think the food just goes straight through without stopping! That whole overnight bile buildup thing makes a ton of sense.

I never knew for sure if this was all related to the gallbladder removal or if it was something with my diet in general...or what. I'm relieved to know others have experienced this, too.

 

[ols386]

I feel your pain! I can't tell you how many times I have had to miss out on things because they were during the afternoon and that is the worst time for me. It is embarrasing and I worry all the time about a bathroom nearby. The thing is for me I have good days and bad days so I just never know. One day I can eat a waffle for breakfast and be fine two days later I eat a waffle and I can't leave the house! It is so frustrating because there doesn't seem to be any rhym or reason to it. I also cannot digest dairy and have a soy allergy so like you it is so hard to find things to eat. I can't have anything fried, no fast food which is a good thing, and I haven't had icecream in 5 years!!! I tried eating icecream and taking a lactaid pill and it didn't work.
Talk to your Dr about the Welchol, it may help you!

I understand that.

And I know where all of the bathrooms are between my house and work, and my house and many other frequently traveled to locations.

I think I know where most of them are at Disney World too.

But seriously, I understand what you're saying.

 

[Maridw]

I have this problem and I haven't had my gallbladder out. Most times I am fine, but I have the odd time when I HAVE to get to a bathroom NOW! It will come on out of nowhere. I have tried to figure out what brings on these attacks and it is never the same thing.

 

[melala]

Where are all my gallbladder removal people?? I know there are a bunch of us on the Dis!! I will try to post "lightly" so as not to gag anyone out.

Ever since my gallbladder was removed a year and 1/2 ago, I've had "going" problems. It's gotten so bad over the past few months I plan to stay near a bathroom up to two hours after I eat (yeah, I'm a fun date!! ). It's not every day, but about 3 times a week. So I went to see my primary care physician today for my Strep throat ( ) and I mention to him that I'm still having problems, and asked him if I should see a G.I. doctor or did he have some suggestions.

He gave me several samples of Welchol. Said it was for lowering Cholesterol, but it has been found to also absorb bile, thus stopping "going" as much. He said to try 2 pills 30 minutes before I eat, not before every meal--just one or two a day. But from what I've read on the internet most doses are 1 to 2 pills a day.

Anyone on this, and if so what are your side effects and dosage? thanks!!

Hi,
I just seen this, and was wondering how everything has worked for you, and how many pills you are taking a day and what you like about it. I have just been put on this and wanted more information
thank u

 

[horseshowmom]

I can't believe how ironic it is that this thread popped up. My dad just asked me if I had any problems (my GB came out 20 years ago, his probably 5+ years ago). I remembered reading something on the Dis about medications that help and had planned to try to find it. Thanks for finding it for me!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I have this problem and I haven't had my gallbladder out. Most times I am fine, but I have the odd time when I HAVE to get to a bathroom NOW! It will come on out of nowhere. I have tried to figure out what brings on these attacks and it is never the same thing.

I'm sorry....trying not to , but in the context what this is about...I read "it will come out of nowhere". I couldn't help but laugh. Afterall, it does come from somewhere.