Loperomide or cholestremine?

[mario]

loperomide or cholestremine?

Not sure of spelllings but these the prescription names in the UK.
The thing is my specialist wants me to stop using loperomide as, in the long term, it causes weakening of the muscles. Instead he wants me to swap to cholestromine. I am reluctant as loperomide has made my life almost normal.
What do cholestromine users think of its usefulness? Would be grateful for any input on this!

 

[clearwell]

I use both of these and have taken daily for two years.When I have a big Flare nothing
seems to work but try the colestyramine they firm things up without making you
constipated which I never have been.They may work differen for you.They do give you
an awful lot of wind though.The only problem is it's hit and miss asto if we can get
them in the uk so will take them for a couple of months and then can't get them for
six months so that is a problem and I do notice a difference.

 

[mario]

Thankyou for that. Yes i had trouble getting my first batch. I wonder if you could use both meds together to eke supplies out a bit?

 

[DustyKat]

Roo tried Questran Lite (cholestyramine) and although it would certainly work for her she found it too unpalatable so chose not to continue using it. She has had issues with pain and cramping with both Imodium and Metamucil. Over time she has found that natural Psyllium husks work very well in bulking up her stools without causing side effects.

Dusty.

 

[mario]

Hi Dusty
So sorry to see your son has also been diagnosed with CD.
He and Roo are lucky to have such a great mum to help them deal with it.
I have looked into Psyllium husks and see that they come in different formats.
Which would you recommend and what sort of dosage?
Thanks for your input and love to your family.

 

[DustyKat]

Hey mario,

Thanks for your kind words. :blush:

Roo gets the natural Psyllium husks from the health food section in the supermarket. The more commercially prepared ones like Metamucil didn't agree with her so I can only assume it has something to do with the additives in them. I don't know the dosages she uses but from observing her I would say about a level teaspoonful each time she uses it. I know she puts some in her coffee in the morning and them adds it throughout the day as needed by either sprinkling it on food or adding to drinks. I guess it is a bit of trial and error but it definitely works for her. Up until she started using it I had never seen her have a meal while she was out.

HTH,
Dusty

 

[mario]

Bought some today. Will keep you posted on progress Thankyou for your help. Love to you and yours x