bile acid malabsorption help
Posted , 8 users are following.
I was diagnosed with BAM about a month ago, I have deficiencies in calcium and folic acid, I went back to see my consultant who changed his mind and said it wasn't BAM because I mentioned I had been constipated.I have all the symptoms and have had erratic diarrhoea since my gall bladder was removed two years ago.
Is he right, it's not that because occasionally I'm constipated? It's once in a while but a nice change from going 8 times a day!
2 likes, 17 replies
looloo43 emma15794
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emma15794 looloo43
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He said I couldn't have malabsorption as I mentioned I had been a little constipated, but when I eat vegetables and no fat that's what happens! I'm so angry and annoyed I just want to have an answer and to stop going to the toilet 6 times a day!
looloo43 emma15794
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emma15794
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today has been horrid, 10 trips to the loo. Monday I was out shopping and almost didn't make it to a toilet in time. I'm exhausted and down and can see no light at the end.
roo62 emma15794
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looloo43 emma15794
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syedm emma15794
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I hope this help
thanks
looloo43 syedm
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syedm looloo43
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My BAM was dignosed by having a sehcat test.
I was told be my gastrologist to stay off any type of aspins and pain killer as it may make diarrhea worse . The tablet form of (cholestyramine) came in a capsule shell and i was told by my gastrologist that many people can not tolerate the powder form due to side effects so the capsule will bypass the stomach so people can tolerate it more. Colesevelam tablet is another BAM medicine which works for some people but didnt for me as i cant tolerate tablets.
Most Doctors are aware of FGF19 deficiency when BAM is present but what is the main cause of this deficiency is unknown research is still in progress.
looloo43 sounds like u are managing your symptoms and diarrhea very well also you are able to work which is great hopfully your health will be back to good working order soon but be aware of nhs the moment you mention your symptoms are being well controlled nhs will take less action on investegating your cause of BAM.
I will be apart of more research in the future in imperial college Hammersmith hospital w12 london and i will keep everyone updated .
Here is some more information regarding BAM hope it helps.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bile_acid_malabsorption
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syedm emma15794
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emma15794
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the one thing I was confused about was the DR at hospital saying you don't get constipated but my own GP said you will get it, it's very unpredictable.
I was on holiday last week and it seemed to be okay I only had one day where I had to go back home. but this week so far it's been every day
syedm emma15794
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i have read in many reviews on BAM that once gall bladder is removed bile acid diarrhea is common as the gall bladder is ment to hold the bile acid and release when needed. Bile acid is needed to break down fat so the less fatty foods you eat the less bile acid will be released. As i menttioned above try stay away from aspins as they make diarrhea worse in BAM patients . U mentioned about doctors saying you don't get constipated but when i took cholestyramine or colesevelam i got constipated and it made my life hell. Everyones body is different some may get constipated and some may not so for your doctor to say you dont get constipated is wrong. You should try ask your doctor to refer you to dietician and see what other foods may effect you.
hope that helps
roo62 syedm
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nhow emma15794
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ricky56219 emma15794
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I am another fellow sufferer. I was diagnosed about 9 months ago via a Sehcat test and have since been prescribed with colesevelam. I had a result of 7% vs normal at 20%
I was fortunate enough to be consulted my the worlds leading authority on this and other related conditions, Dr Maxton Pitcher from St Marks and if any of you have the opportunity to I would suggest you request him (based in London)
I had a nightmare of a journey trying to obtain colesevelam from my gp as it hasn't technically been tested for our condition and is typically used to controle cholesterol in high risk people. After a long back and fourth with the council I have since been able to get hold of it on the NHS. So for anyone who may find themselves in my shoes, a precedence has been set.
I have found the same as many of you in that at times the medication seems to work a treat, I can finally live a normal life without fear and embarrassment of having to excuse myself every time I eat, as well as spend my entire day uncomfortable and exhausted to a point that I could barely function.
I still find the bloating to be an issue and I have read that this could actually be a side effect of the medication however from weighing up the pros and cons I would take it. I do not suppose anyone has found a solution to this? I do try and control my food and as many of you have said it involves avoiding many healthy food in large amounts or at all. I often find myself planning a day in so I can eat good (bad for us) on some days and I take the consequence.
The way the condition was explained to me is that there is currently no cause identified and no cure in sight. The medication works by binding the bile acid in order to relieve the discomfort and allow you to pass it.
I also wanted to mention for anyone who may not be aware, that folic acid deficiency is part and parcel of this condition and that I have found supplements to work for me at least when it comes to energy levels.
I have also found putting weight on to be a bit of a problem, could I ask if anyone else is experiencing a similar thing.
I know I may not have added much to the discussion, i am just greatfull to have stumbled onto this forum and found people who share my experiences.
Thanks all
Ricky
looloo43 ricky56219
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looloo43 ricky56219
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