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Anonymous Personal Story

Anonymous Personal Story: IBS-D

I am a 67-year-old female who has suffered from digestive problems most of my life. After having acute pancreatitis at 25 caused by gallstones, my gallbladder was removed. Then came more problems. I am apparently one of the 20% of gallbladder cases left with excessive bile dumping into the intestines, causing D.

The D became so severe 5 years ago that I underwent a colonoscopy and was told that I had microscopic colitis. Then, I had another colonoscopy in 2014, and the pathology showed no MC. Now, I’m told it is IBS-D. Maybe this is what you are told when the doctor doesn’t really know what’s going on.

The strange part is I don’t have the pain associated with IBS. Just a gushing feeling in my gut after I eat, and a lot of times I don’t make it to the bathroom in time. I was back to the GI doctor 2 weeks ago after having been up since 3:00 AM with chronic D. I have soiled bedding, carpet, and clothing for some 4 years. I was scared to go to sleep at night, fearing an accident.

The doctor prescribed Xifaxan for six weeks. Not sure if anyone here has tried it. From the first day I took it, it worked. I feel almost normal! It’s an antibiotic that is absorbed in the intestines. So far, no side effects. It is quite expensive – 2 pills per day at about $30/dose. The long-term results of the IBS-D treatment are a little iffy. It’s possible that the symptoms will return and a re-treat will be required. I’ll wait and see.

I also take Questran for bile absorption and Immodium on a daily basis. Quite the cocktail. For now, life is good, even if it doesn’t last forever.

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