Fat Malabsorption?

[yorkieville]

Has anyone taken the Fat Malabsorption test, because they had long term diarrhea?

I am on my 6th and final day of the test. It is a horrible test!

I had to eat 100 grams of fat, 3 days before I began the stool collection, and 100 grams of fat the 3 days of the stool collection.

Thank God today is my last day! I am so nauseous! I am never going to want to eat again.

It is very hard to fit 100 grams of fat into your daily diet, when you don't have a decent appetite.

I read that 42% of MSer's have Fat Malabsorption.

Does anyone have it?

TIA

Sheila

P.S. If I don't get back in here, to read your replies, forgive me, but my bathroom and I have a close relationship, this week, more than ever. (:

[anon07072023]

Yeah, I know. We've both posted on a lot of the same things together. I know that you're not a new member of the forum or to MS.  That's not what I was saying, if that's what you had thought.  ???

[yorkieville]

If you check my membership date, you will see I've been a member for a long time.

I just don't post as much anymore.

I am almost 60 years old.

My 2nd cousin died March 10th of 2008 from his MS. Erv was 66 when MS ended his life. He lived with it for 18 years.

So, I have become very knowlegeable about MS.

And I am under the care of a top MS Specialist. And a top G.I. Doc.

[anon07072023]

I just wanted to make sure that you knew other things could cause it.  That way if it was caused from some other thing besides MS in your case, then you can seek treatment like pancreatic enzymes.I'm not sure if you could do anything about it if it was caused solely from the MS.

I looked up the link. I wonder if anyone has done any newer studies on MS and malabsorption.  

I'm severely underweight, too. I only weight 90lbs now.  I've lost about 30% of my body weight in the last 15 months or so. I hope we both get answers soon!

[yorkieville]

Yes, I am aware that I may have something else going on and it may be totally unrelated to my MS.

I simply asked if anyone else had Fat Malabsorption.

My G.I. Doc has been running tests all Summer and into the Fall, in an attempt to diagnose the problem.

Here is a link to where I read that 42% of people with MS have Fat Malapsorption.

http://www.healingwithnutrition.com/mdisease/multiplesclerosis/multiplesclerosis.html

And yes, my MS Specialist, my D.O. and my G.I. Doc are all aware that neuroligcal conditions can alter the way the bowel works.

In my case, my MS Specialist and my G.I. Doc want to make sure nothing else is going on with my bowels, because I am severely underweight.

That is great that you are at Mayo Clinic.

You are wise to wait until you are home to begin the 100 grams of fat a day, besides the fact that you will most likely be in the bathroom all of the time, you need to record what you eat, and list the fat grams.

Good Luck-I hope you get some answers.

[anon07072023]

You could have something else going on and it may be totally unrelated to your MS. For instance, pancreatic insufficiency, etc.  I'm actually at the Mayo Clinic right now. They're trying to figure all of this out for me. Have you had an upper & lower GI?    

I'm supposed to start this test when I get back home. Didn't really want to start taking in the 100 g or fat just yet, since I'll be travelling pretty much non-stop all day Sat.  The doctor did say that he'd write a note for me to be out of work while on it.  For mine, I'm supposed to start eating the 100 grams the day before I start the collection - then continue the 100 grams for 3 more days. I think I'll be spending even more time in the bathroom than I already do.

They did mention that of course neurolgical conditions can alter your bowels.  Perhaps speed them up or slow them down.  I've never heard of that high % of MSers with problems with fat absorpsion. Where did you find that statistic?  It would be interesting if it really was true. However, the doctors here at Mayo know that I have MS, and are not attributing mine to my MS.  

[yorkieville]

Well, this may sound strange, but I am actually hoping my test results show that I do have it, because then, my G.I. Doc could prescribe a medication to help me with the diarrhea I have had for 16 months, and advise me on a diet.

[SarahL2491]

well, I've never had it, so am part of the 48% that doesn't have it (grin)

[yorkieville]

Hi, Tammy.

While I don't recommend the diet for the Fat Malabsorption test, I do think it's a good idea to talk to your G.I. Doc about having it.

I also had an unneccesary surgery, so I can relate to how you feel.

I had a hysterectomy, including my ovaries in '06, because my former Gyne assured me that it would relieve my back pain.

My MS wasn't diagnosed until last November. And the back pain is due to my MS.

Thanks-I'm so grateful today is my last day on the diet.

(((HUGS)))
Sheila

[maxthecat43]

I have this problem, but I thought it was due to having my gallbladder removed.  I haven't been tested for it...  I just see my gastroenterologist for it.  

Ironically, I didn't need to have my gallbladder removed after all.  It turns out that the pain I had (have) is related to the hug.  

I hope you get to feeling better!  It does sound awful to try to eat that much fat-especially without even having much appetite.

(((Hugs,)))
Tammy