a positive update and help on what is next

armstrongpilot · Post by **armstrongpilot** » Mon Nov 07, 2016 9:44 am

Hello all;

finally I have some decent news to update on. I have been on pepto bismal for 6 weeks. After 2 weeks of misery it worked for me. My D has stopped and I feel pretty decent most days. I have been able to put of 10 lbs of good weight and have been able to exercise again. I am off work till nov. 21 st. My biggest question is- what do I do when I have to stop taking pepto? Is there a safe or natural alternative that yields the same results?

Or is it something that I quite for a while and then take it again for the 8 weeks?

so far- no side effects of pepto- other then a few brown spots on tongue

Pepto has been far more effective to me the entocort ( was on that for 1 1/2 yrs, just led to a slower decline then with out it).

Tom

Vanessa · Post by **Vanessa** » Mon Nov 07, 2016 1:21 pm

Awesome news! We are all different. For me the pepto created severe side effects nuerologically after 2 weeks.....so quit that and used immodium on super bad days at work.

Are you taking a good mag and vit d? I can't remember. I was not supplementing with mag when I did the treatment which I think contributed to my symptoms.....

I don't think the pepto puts you into remission, it just treats the symptoms associated with the disease. After you feel comfortable for awhile see how you do without and perhaps use on an as needed basis.

Post by **tex** » Mon Nov 07, 2016 2:04 pm

Tom,

That's super news. Because the active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol is bismuth subsalicylate, the risk associated with long-term use is a possible build up of bismuth (a heavy metal) in the body. As long as all systems are working correctly (and there are no adverse side effects) the bismuth should be continuously eliminated from the body, and a buildup should not occur. However, if the liver is not functioning normally, bismuth subsalicylate can build up in the body. If you have reduced liver function or liver disease, it might be a good idea to discuss with your doctor how continued use might affect your medical condition, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

We have one or 2 members who have used high doses for long-term treatment. It's possible that, as Vanessa mentioned, your remission may remain intact (as long as you're careful with your diet). If you can see that remission is faltering, after regaining control you might find a reduced dose that works over the long run. Watch out for tinnitus — bismuth subsalicylate is notorious for causing tinnitus.

Tex

brandy · Post by **brandy** » Mon Nov 07, 2016 3:14 pm

Hi Tom,

If you look at my sign in date I've used a lot of pepto over the years. I've never done the 8 pepto per day for 8 weeks but I have consumed a lot over the years. Sometimes I go 4-5 months without using any.

I've had no adverse effects.

It has been used for several hundred years to treat D.

I'm trying to cut back a bit due to my heavy usage over the years but overall it seems to be pretty benign.

I'm glad it is working for you!

brandy · Post by **brandy** » Mon Nov 07, 2016 3:16 pm

Tom,

I believe a few people have tapered down off of it like we do with budesonide. 6 per day for a week then 4 per day for a week etc.

Marcia K · Post by **Marcia K** » Mon Nov 07, 2016 7:17 pm

Hi, Tom. I had success with the Pepto treatment. I took 6/day for 8 weeks (per my GI). Actually I cut back to 4/day after a few weeks because I had C. I have not had to take any medication after the Pepto and I am in remission. During the Pepto treatment I eliminated gluten and dairy from my diet. The D has not returned other than occasions when I was accidentally glutened. After finding this wonderful group, reading Tex's book and EnteroLab testing I eliminated other foods from my diet. My life is pretty much back to normal other than having to take my own food wherever I go but that's a small price to pay for freedom from the D! My GI told me not to chew the tablets or my tongue would turn black. I broke them in half and swallowed them with water. What works for one doesn't work for all but I hope you have as much success with the Pepto as I did. I did not have any negative side effects from it and I carry it with me at all times "just in case."

armstrongpilot · Post by **armstrongpilot** » Tue Nov 15, 2016 1:44 pm

Thanks for the advice on the pepto! I do have some black tongue, but other then that no symptoms. I am going to take 4 pills a day for a while and see what happens. All this wait and see is frustrating!

I asked my UAB Dr about the pepto and he said long term use isnt that bad as long as i dont get symptoms from it.