Bile acid malabsorption anyone??

[dozydoo]

I didn't really know where else to put this, so I've put it here.

I was diagnosed with bile acid malabsorption just after Christmas, (I'm not sure it is what I've got though!) but I have yet to see my gp, or my consultant. I was referred to hospital to have the radioactive test thing, where you swallow a radioactive capsule, have a stomach scan, then go back a week later for another scan. The hospital then sent a letter to my gp with my diagnosis, & recommended a prescription, I only know about the prescription because the pharmacy called to ask why I hadn't collected it yet.

Now, I am having colestyramine sachets, but I'm not really sure if they are helping, I have tried to get an appointment to talk to my gp, but because it's not an emergency, I've had no luck, so I'm not even sure if I'm taking them properly! I also suffer from awful constipation, so my stools are either like water, or I cannot go, there is very little in between & I also have awful haemorrhoids, & my bottom is bleeding badly every time I poo!

This has turned out longer than expected, I do apologise, but does anyone else have the same? Can anyone offer any advice on how to improve my condition (If that is even what I have!) or any help? Thanks.

I'm sorry I don't have any advice but I seem to suffer with this. It started after having my gallbladder out about 8 years ago and has gradually got worse.

TMI

My symptoms are sudden and extremely urgent diahorrea that is illuminous yellow! As soon as I eat anything it goes straight through me, I'll just all of a sudden feel my belly turn like a switch has just been flipped and that's it - I've got to go.

Most days I can need the toilet 4/5 times a day but some days 1-2 times, very rarely I'll miss a day. I hate knowing I could need the toilet at any time and won't eat anything if I knew there was a possibility that I wouldn't be able to get to a loo which was awkward when dd used to do competitions and we'd have to travel as a team for a few hours on a coach as then the next day spend a full day at a competition then travel home straight after.

I keep meaning to see the gp about it but Im a carer and do things for other disabled family members so I always seem to put myself last

I hope you get it sorted.

There is a very good and helpful Facebook page: Crohns and Colitis UK.

@Gilead

There is a very good and helpful Facebook page: Crohns and Colitis UK.

Thank you, will have a look for that!

@StrangeAddiction that sounds worse than me, I'm really not entirely sure it's what I have, but maybe I'm just a bit in denial. I would definitely got see your gp, mine are useless now, there used to be a lovely old dr, & he is the one who got the ball rolling for tests and referrals for me, but he has since retired & the two gps left, just do not care at all. 🙄

My medication doesn't really seem to be working for me, I'm still either constipated or the complete opposite, there is no in between, but I cannot for the life of me get to even speak to a gp at the moment!

Maybe it's just the idea of having this illness forever that is making me question the diagnosis & treatment, I don't know.

Ring up and ask for a referral back to the consultant.