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I started the Xifaxan on Friday (8/5).....I noticed that it seemed to make things "thicker" (not normal, but definitely different). This morning I had bleeding with BM and the next BM there was more blood. It's almost like the thicker consistency is a ribbon-like pile. I don't see hemorrhoids listed as a side-effect of the med....some side effects are rectal tenesmus, unusual bleeding or bruising, straining while passing stool, frequent urge to defecate. The only one I would feel "might" classify is unusual bleeding.
I don't feel like I am straining, so probably internal hemorrhoids.
Would you just roll with it and start using coconut oil.....I read about it in a post about hemorrhoids. Would you let the doc know?
I would suggest that you call your doctor. I'm not familiar with this medication but when in doubt, go with the doubt. If it doesn't seem right, then it probably isn't.
I agree with Diana. If you weren't having a bleeding problem before you started taking it, it's time to call your doctor.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
That's probably a good idea. They'll probably tell you that they've never heard of that happening before, or it's impossible, or something similar, but anything is possible, and if it's just a coincidence, it's quite a coincidence.
It's not likely that you have a C. diff infection causing the bleeding because rifaximin is a recommended treatment for C. diff. Most likely you're just allergic to rifaximin.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Keep us posted. I see Xifaxan is being heavily advertised on TV for D.
My experience was extreme, painful, cramping, while driving after having taken just 1 pill. It was serious enough that I took myself off of the Xifaxan after the one pill. I think I may have had a touch of blood after 1 pill.
If the manufacturer's research is accurate and their advertising claims are truthful, you shouldn't need a probiotic, because rifaxamin is advertised as a selective antibiotic, meaning that it has been shown to preserve the so-called "good" bacteria while destroying the pathogenic bacteria for which it is labeled. That's used as an excuse for the relatively high cost of the product.
Unless you have a history of infections following antibiotic use, I see little need for a probiotic in most situations. I have never used a probiotic, and I've never regretted that policy.
Did your doctor's office ever call back?
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
I appreciate the info regarding the probiotic, Tex.
The nurse did call back after talking to NP....she said to stop the Xifaxan and start 9mg Budesonide. This is what gets to me.....I am still on Uceris (which is Budesonide). DUH!
Another thing that bothers me. At my last appt. I asked the GI doc if he had been able to get my colonoscopy slides (that he wanted to see) and he said, "No."
Well, lo and behold, on Friday I called and was directed to the pathology lab that read my slides and guess what....they have my slides! I'm going to guess that the doc forgot to "try" to locate them and that is why he couldn't get them. I relayed to his nurse that I had located my slides and asked if they wanted to have them mailed or I could hand deliver at my next appt. She said she would do some checking and get back with me. I know they have many more things on their minds than locating my slides, but I offered to get them in the first place, but was told that they would have to send them specially packed and they probably would not let me deliver them due to the way they needed to be handled. The only requirement that the lab told me about was to not leave them in hot temps.
I have a hunch that in many cases when a patient leaves her or his GI doc's office, the doc (and most of the staff) immediately click on the "Reset" button in their brains, to get ready for the next patient.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Honestly, I can't say I wouldn't be the same way if I were in their shoes. The government has changed the way that doctors do business and I would cringe at the amount of paperwork they have to complete. Just a reminder that we have to be our own advocates.
Agreed. Keeping the government, insurance companies, and patients happy these days is bound to be a frustrating balancing act.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
