What can I do to control my diarraha

[Shurdy]

I'm a female 36 years of age & 3-weeks ago I had my gallbladder removed. I had it removed because of constant diarraha attacts after eating meals & trying several medications recommended by the doctor. I told the doctor this & he recommend removing my gallbladder. I thought that by removing it it would stop the diarraha instead it has gotten 10 times worse I'm so embarrased by all of the acciendents I've had running to the restrooms. I no longer can go out & do normal things. I fill like I'm burning up all the time & Tylenol doesn't touch the fever running around 99 most of the time on & off. I just want the diarahha to stop! I'm comfind to my home & am miserable. I have an appointment in the morning with my surgern who removed it. I would not have removed it knowing that it was going to get worse I thought that it was my answer. I've been told by the nurse to take fiber pills & thats just what I'm doing like before surgery. I have a lower tooth that needs to be capped & I'm not able to go & have it fixed do to the diarraha attacts. Please tell me someone this will get better I'm so depressed about it & don't know what to do?  Shurdy

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I would consider a referral to a GI specialist.

A colonoscopy can be considered to evaluate for inflammatory bowel disease.  Stool tests should be sent to evaluate for infection and malabsorption syndromes.  

If the tests remain negative, irritable bowel syndrome can be considered - and treatment done to alleviate the symptoms.  Antispasmodic agents can be considered for this case.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b

[sarikate]

Shurdy,
Sometimes people have worsening diarrhea after their cholecystectomies.  Your doctor might try cholestyramine, which is actually a cholesterol drug but has the added benefit of binding the bile acids that are most likely causing your diarrhea.  It's a powder that you mix up with applesauce and should stop you up fairly well!  Also, you might try taking calcium carbonate, which has a constipating effect.

[sarikate]

Also, your doc should have done a colonoscopy to check out your colon for evidence of inflammatory bowel disease.  I'm surprised it wasn't done before your gallbladder was removed.

[gomes35]

Unfourtenatly, i do know what that ... is. Iīm portuguese and have been in study for five years. I do read the manual of gastroenterology for almost three times. Iīve done every analizes and tests, including the camera pill for investigate all bowel!! And there are no answers!!! Of course itīs biliar acid disfunction- when take colestiramina(quantalan( it sequestres the biliar acids) and get better. For know, just befor start the meal(lunch time), i take a piece of fruit(pera or aplle), getsīs better.
In my opinion this has to do with acellarated gallblader!!! but, how to get that slower, withou arrest the biliar acids??if i knew that, it should be the answer for a most people get a good mind condition for going take meals at restaurants with familiy, friends, whatever!

About ibs... itīs a very good excuse that the doctors arranged and agreed in seminary ade in Roma, Italy.
Best regards
Paulo

[myproblem]

I assume that you were given antibiotics with the surgery. If so, this can kill the helpful bacteria in your system. Try eating a lot of yogurt. The live cultures in the yogurt are the same kind of bacteria that should be in your digestive tract. Also I don't know if you've tried Nulev. I have sudden attacks of watery diaharrea, and it helps sometimes. Sometimes though nothing helps. It is very embarassing to have to RUN to the bathroom. Immodium helps a lot too. The reason some people have more diaharrea after having their gallbladder removed is because now the bile is constantly emtying into your small bowel. The gallbladder is supposed to make it go at intervals based on your food consumption. Your gallbladder may not have been stopping the flow of bile like it should have been. There maybe a medication that can reduce bile production. I don't really know, but you could ask your Dr. about it. Also, IBD, IBS, and ulcerative colitis are illness to investigate. I still have my gallbladder, and am in the testing process. Good luck.