Side effects of Pepto

[jbrohlr]

I started with D at the start of June 2021 with profound peripheral neuropathy several weeks before. I am still waiting for my lab results on the colonoscopy that I had mid August 2021 (visually, I had no problems in my colon; one small polyp and no sign of ulcerative colitis or diverticulitis). I think the writing is on the wall that I have MC, probably triggered with aspirin this time (speculation).

I have improved gut-wise by following Mr Persky's book and advice on this site; no WD for a little over a month, not as much rumbling and gas, and I average once a day on BM's (#4 Bristol, sometimes #5). The weight loss has at least slowed, if not stopped (I lost 20 lbs since the start of this mess).

However; I've been experiencing considerable muscle weakness in my limbs, neck and hips and some neuropathy in my lower legs/feet. I am wondering what is the cause. I am beginning to suspect all the Pepto Bismol that I used - I did not go over the daily recommended dosage but I took it every day for about 4 weeks (I stopped taking it 3 days ago). I thought the other suspects could be just lagging effects of malabsorption (I'm pretty emaciated) or that my immune system is still reacting and decided to beat up my nervous system for a while, instead of my gut.

I started 3 days ago to take the Doctor's Best brand of vitamin D3 with noon meal, certainly not long enough to have an effect IMO. I have the magnesium supplement as well but am nervous about taking it yet until I am a little further along on recovery - if I am recovering.

I am wondering if this muscle weakness is a common (lagging) occurrence with MC. Has anyone else had this type of reaction to Pepto use?

John R.

[tex]

Hello John,

Without lab test results, we can only guess, but one of the most common symptoms of magnesium deficiency is muscle weakness. MC depletes magnesium, and about 70% of the general population is magnesium deficient to begin with, according to many authorities. In fact magnesium deficiency is associated with every known disease, so it's possible that it might have been part of the reason why you initially developed MC.

You didn't mention how much Pepto-Bismol you were taking, but even if it was eight tablets per day, four weeks of treatment is unlikely to have caused neurological issues, although it's probably not impossible in rare cases. One of the most common symptoms marking a Pepto overdose is tinnitus.

Some of us do react to various forms of magnesium supplements, especially before we are able to reach remission and accrue some healing. In a situation such as that, magnesium Oil or lotion can be helpful, and foot soaks In a bucket containing water saturated with Epsom salts, or soaking in bathwater to which a cop on Epson salts has been added, for 15 or 20 minutes, can be even more helpful.

I hope this helps,

Tex

[jbrohlr]

thank you Tex. I will give the Epsom salts a try.

[Marcia K]

Hi, John. I completed the Pepto treatment (8 weeks). I did not have any issues from it.

[jbrohlr]

Thank you Marcia. I wasn't quite going to the Pepto treatment - was taking Pepto liquid just to calm things down. I am going with trying to get my magnesium replenished (did quit the Pepto for now).

I do have a question on the magnesium supplement: is the D that can occur from ingesting magnesium glycinate because of the unabsorbed Mg keeping water in your lumen or will it also cause inflammation? I ventured forth and tried the Mg in pill form (Dr's Best) and I had D but not bad.

I'm willing to pay the price of some D in order to get a healthy Mg level - just don't want to set myself back inflammation wise.

John R.

[Marcia K]

Hi, John. Most people can tolerate magnesium glycinate, other types can cause D. I have taken Drs. Best for many years, as recommended on this site.If the oral type is causing issues for you, try magnesium spray or lotion or foot soaks in Epsom salt several times a week.

[brandy]

I took the large dose of pepto for 8 weeks and did not see side effects.

Sometimes with our disease it is tough to know what is what. Our disease can cause a lot of weird symptoms early on.

That said pepto is linked to tinnitus.