Hi all, been a long time!
I've been in remission from MC since 2013 then had my Gallbladder out in 2015. I had constipation on and off since then. I've been so sluggish that I've had to resort to cleaning out my liver some to get the bile moving...well that got it moving too much so I got D...freaked out cause I never get it anymore. I wish I had never had it out but it needed to come out. However, I had no idea what lack of bile could do to you. I've had to hit the Pepto again and it stopped for now. Hard to tell if I'm in a MC flare or lack of GB flare. BTW, fiber is out! So it's hard to eat healthy.
My question is that I feel myself going down the tubes again in regards to my gut and was wondering for those who take L-glutamine, how much do you take? And what brand? I also feel like I have low stomach acid but can't address that just yet till my Gastritis heals up...another side effect of GB removal and MC I suppose. Or lack of stomach acid for years and docs want to put everyone on PPIs when in fact it's low stomach acid. Anyway, I've heard from my favorite Youtube doctor, Dr. Berg, that L-Glutamine is great for Gastritis and Inflammation.
Any input on L-glutamine will be greatly appreciated. What dose should I start at? Any side effects?
Tex, hope you are doing well...it's been awhile!
Thanks!
L-Glutamine
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L-Glutamine
Diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis in July, 2012 then with Celiac in November, 2012.
Hi Terri,
It's great to see a post from you again, but I'm sorry to hear that you're in a flare of sorts. The gallbladder doesn't actually produce bile, it merely stores it until needed, so removing it shouldn't affect bile production (at least not directly). That said, you may have had reduced production by the liver in association with the gallbladder problem. Normally, removal of the gallbladder merely allows the bile to drip into the duodenum as it's produced, rather than when it's needed (on demand).
If you feel that your bile production was actually curtailed after your cholecystecomy, and it has since greatly increased, colestyramine might be your best bet, if you can find the proper dose. You may have to experiment a little for a few weeks, to find the optimum dose. And be sure to use the original formulation by Sandoz. The experience of many, many members here suggest that most other brands/formulations don't work for MC patients. Published research shows that about 40 % of people who have diarrhea that doesn't respond to normal treatment, have bile acid malabsorption (BAM), which can be controlled by the proper dose of cholestyramine.
Sorry, I can't help you with any information on L-Glutamine. I've never used it, and I don't much about it. Hopefully someone else can share their experiences with L-Glutamine.
Thanks, I'm probably doing better than I deserve, for an old codger. I have no complaints these days — everything seems to be going well. I hope you're able to resolve your problem before it gets out of hand.
Tex
It's great to see a post from you again, but I'm sorry to hear that you're in a flare of sorts. The gallbladder doesn't actually produce bile, it merely stores it until needed, so removing it shouldn't affect bile production (at least not directly). That said, you may have had reduced production by the liver in association with the gallbladder problem. Normally, removal of the gallbladder merely allows the bile to drip into the duodenum as it's produced, rather than when it's needed (on demand).
If you feel that your bile production was actually curtailed after your cholecystecomy, and it has since greatly increased, colestyramine might be your best bet, if you can find the proper dose. You may have to experiment a little for a few weeks, to find the optimum dose. And be sure to use the original formulation by Sandoz. The experience of many, many members here suggest that most other brands/formulations don't work for MC patients. Published research shows that about 40 % of people who have diarrhea that doesn't respond to normal treatment, have bile acid malabsorption (BAM), which can be controlled by the proper dose of cholestyramine.
Sorry, I can't help you with any information on L-Glutamine. I've never used it, and I don't much about it. Hopefully someone else can share their experiences with L-Glutamine.
Thanks, I'm probably doing better than I deserve, for an old codger. I have no complaints these days — everything seems to be going well. I hope you're able to resolve your problem before it gets out of hand.
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.
Why thank you Tex! Always good to get your input. Glad you are doing so well. Awesome!!
I did know that about the liver and also that I could get stones in the liver/bile ducts if I don't eat well or if the liver has a hard time detoxing stuff. I did beet juice powder, apple cider vinegar with honey, then bam! Here comes the bile! lol. I had cut down on the fat too which isn't good for me for some reason..I need a moderate amount. Now I'm super sluggish again so it's back to the ACV I guess.
My issue has been my doctor taking me off birth control pills over 2 years ago and my body makes zero hormones..I've done without for a long time and lack of Estradiol decreases bile flow so that's my issue. I'm on BHRT but not absorbing my creams well at all...it will take my levels up a little some then I crash...it's very hard on the digestive tract to have this happening to me. But when I do absorb my digestion gets so much better but I have to be careful not to let my Estradiol get up high. Anyway, it's been a long journey for me hormone wise and couldn't tackle that and MC at the same time so I'm thankful for the remission. Living without a GB is very tricky I'm finding out. I'm very low on Testosterone too which is very anti-inflammatory and my feel good hormone. But I lose hair when I up it. I'll get it right one day. Be thankful you aren't a lady...lol. I'm sure some on here can relate!
thanks so much for your input on the bile meds...I will make note of it!
Love always to you for all that you do!
I did know that about the liver and also that I could get stones in the liver/bile ducts if I don't eat well or if the liver has a hard time detoxing stuff. I did beet juice powder, apple cider vinegar with honey, then bam! Here comes the bile! lol. I had cut down on the fat too which isn't good for me for some reason..I need a moderate amount. Now I'm super sluggish again so it's back to the ACV I guess.
My issue has been my doctor taking me off birth control pills over 2 years ago and my body makes zero hormones..I've done without for a long time and lack of Estradiol decreases bile flow so that's my issue. I'm on BHRT but not absorbing my creams well at all...it will take my levels up a little some then I crash...it's very hard on the digestive tract to have this happening to me. But when I do absorb my digestion gets so much better but I have to be careful not to let my Estradiol get up high. Anyway, it's been a long journey for me hormone wise and couldn't tackle that and MC at the same time so I'm thankful for the remission. Living without a GB is very tricky I'm finding out. I'm very low on Testosterone too which is very anti-inflammatory and my feel good hormone. But I lose hair when I up it. I'll get it right one day. Be thankful you aren't a lady...lol. I'm sure some on here can relate!
thanks so much for your input on the bile meds...I will make note of it!
Love always to you for all that you do!
Diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis in July, 2012 then with Celiac in November, 2012.
Terri,
You're mighty right that men are lucky that they don't seem to have a hormone issue that affects MC. It's a totally different situation with women. MC can be very much affected by certain hormone levels (or changing levels), especially in some cases. I believe there are quite a few members here who have been confronted with that issue, and they've been able to successfully resolve it.
The board tends to be slow on weekends when everyone is out doing things, but surely someone who's successfully dealt with that in the past will check in sooner or later and share their experience and expertise.
All my best.
Tex
You're mighty right that men are lucky that they don't seem to have a hormone issue that affects MC. It's a totally different situation with women. MC can be very much affected by certain hormone levels (or changing levels), especially in some cases. I believe there are quite a few members here who have been confronted with that issue, and they've been able to successfully resolve it.
The board tends to be slow on weekends when everyone is out doing things, but surely someone who's successfully dealt with that in the past will check in sooner or later and share their experience and expertise.
All my best.
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.