Pepto Bismol

[Mackey]

Funny how we learn bits and pieces about how to take care of ourselves with MC. When my doctor recommended the pepto trial he never mentioned going gluten free as well (but he never believed that anyway). I'll post how well it goes.

[Mackey]

I'm on my tenth day of Pepto Bismal and sadly I haven't had any improvement. My question to those of you that have tried Pepto is, should I give it more time? I was so hoping this would help. I've also read on some posts that some have had luck on antihistamines. Is it worth trying.

I'm really trying to avoid going back on Uceris.

Feeling miserable

[tex]

If I recall correctly, the original published trials for the Pepto treatment showed that the average time to remission for most subjects in the trial was approximately 2 weeks, but some took less time, and some took longer, of course. Success rates were quite high . . . at least as high as typical success rates for most medications Are you using the original recommended treatment of 8 or 9 tablets per day (or the liquid equivalent)? You might have additional food sensitivities that are preventing success.

Some people can't tolerate the high doses for the full 8-week treatment — they develop tinnitis or some other neurological issue, so keep an eye on that possibility.

Here's a link to an old 3-page long thread about this topic that you might find interesting (if you haven't already read it).

http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=69567

Tex

[Mackey]

Tex, I went back to your book and read and reread chapter 14 on mast cells, and I read some of the posts that talked about taking antihistamines. Your book is fascinating and interesting - you are a very smart man. So I had given up on Pepto - I think it made the D worse. I was ready to give in to the Uceris (I actually did take 1 tablet), but I also decided to increase my Vit D from 1000 iu to 4000 iu and I started taking Claritin 3 days ago. Before that I was feeling awful, constantly in the bathroom, and bad cramping. The cramping and diarrhea have subsided I'm not sure what is going on but it I'm a little excited. I don't think 1 Uceris would have made that much difference because usually it takes at least a week for me to feel better. Could it be the combination of the Vit D and antihistamines? I'm not getting my hopes up but I'm sticking with the latter for awhile.

[tex]

Could it be the combination of the Vit D and antihistamines?

It could be, especially if you are vitamin D deficient. For some members here, the right antihistamine seems to work as well as budesonide. And just as glucose is the fuel on which the brain operates, vitamin D is the fuel on which the immune system operates.

Thank you for the kind words. I hope that whatever has brought the improvements in your health, continues to work for you.

Tex

[Vanessa]

My experience with pepto was not good. About two weeks into the treatment I had major neurological symptoms like complete insomnia with legs shaking. I eventually figured out I had a little too much salicylate in my system. Tinnitus started about a week in and I did not heed the warning. I eventually developed blurred vision and tremors (which in turn caused extra worry and insomnia). I had to be started on meds to sleep which did not help. The legs continued on for about 4 months albeit to a lesser degree with each passing week. It took care of the watery D though! I know we are all different and I may be the only member here with this experience.....but you have to be a little cautious even with over the counter stuff. It added a lot of misery and stress to an already stressful situation. I tried it with diet change to jump start my progress. Boy if I would have known then! I don't know of any other members on the board with this kind of reaction to Pepto. Hope this helps. Time and diet are our best allies...

[Mackey]

Wow Vanessa that was scary. While on the Pepto, I had such severe diarrhea and cramping. My lower back and hips really hurt. I read that if you suspect a histamine intolerance that you should avoid salicylate. The antihistimes did provide relief but I also realize that diet is a huge part of the relief. I decided to go back on Uceris while I work on healing my gut.

[tex]

Vanessa,

You're not the only one who cannot tolerate the "Pepto Treatment". Several other members here have had neurological symptoms that caused them to stop taking it. Percentage-wise, the number is relatively low, but it's significant enough that Dr. Fine stopped recommending the treatment years ago, and started recommending only diet changes to treat MC.

Thanks for reminding us that all medications carry risks.

Tex

[crervin]

Also, pepto may cause acid reflux over time....I took just a few for a couple of months as needed. It messed with my stomach acidity along with antihistamines.