WE saw our Lyme doc yesterday. I reread Dr B's treatment guidelines before we went. He said toxins in the liver can cause Neurlogical problems. Our doc was very much in favor of starting him on Cholestestermin (sp) He also ordered what I said I would like to try him on. The drug store had to order it so it will be Monday before we get it. He had nothing to eat yesterday but a ham and cheese sandwich and an apple. He had an upset stomach. Gave him his first dose of Cholest? before he went to bed. He was uncomfortable to miserable all night. This morning he is in severe abd. distress. I got him to eat his breakfast and take his morning meds. My question is Would the Cholestermine start working and causing those problems that fast?
Posted by TF (Member # 14183) on :
Well, it is very constipating.
My husband (does not have lyme) was given Welchol pills to try to lower cholesterol. He took 2 one day and had terrible trouble. That was the end of him taking them. He refuses to take anything constipating.
I had to give away the Welchol.
So, my advice is to take laxatives such as Milk of Magnesia (will give him magnesium, which is good) to see if he can get rid of some of that abdominal distress. Plus, drink lots of water and lemon. Hot water with lemon is a pretty good laxative for some.
Posted by TF (Member # 14183) on :
Page 13 of Burrascano:
"Cholestyramine should be taken two to four times daily, and Welchol is prescribed at three pills twice daily. While the latter is obviously much simpler to use, it is less effective than cholestyramine. The main side effects are bloating and constipation, best handled with increased fluid intake and gentle laxatives."
Posted by lpkayak (Member # 5230) on :
magnesium and smooth move tea are my "go to" for that
i was prescribed 8 welchol a day...i took one and was almost hospitalized from constipation. it took 3 weeks to get straightend out
25 yrs agao i was hospitalized for 3 weeks for constipation...for those suceptable to this it can be very serious
when i was on choles...they had me build up real slow...even a teaspoon or table spoon at first
its a good med and does its job if you can figure out how to take it
sort of the opposite of abx giving you diahrhaea...actually they may start to balance each other out...but you know about separating them right?
Posted by Annthenurse (Member # 5118) on :
Thanks for your suggestions. I have decided not to give him any today or tomorrow. Monday I will give him only a tiny bit. Never dreamed he would have this reaction with the first dose.
Posted by jupiter76 (Member # 37697) on :
The more the abdominal pain the more toxins are released. Much Magnesium or products that have macrogol ( don't know how this is called in english). We have them in Germany.
Posted by TF (Member # 14183) on :
Macrogol is polyethylene glycol and is the laxative Miralax in the U.S.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I could not take it due to abdominal pain. Took it for several months.. agony the whole time. Tried everything. Even tried Welcol. Same thing.
Posted by Annthenurse (Member # 5118) on :
He was much better last night. He is still asleep. He isn't moaning so I am presuming he slept well. I will progress slowly! Ann
Posted by Annthenurse (Member # 5118) on :
He was his normal self last night. Even walked with us when I walked the dog. Guess I will give him a tiny amount of Cholestyrmine today. Should I increase the amount if he doesn't have a bad reaction, or should I increase the frequency of the dose first? Ann
Posted by TF (Member # 14183) on :
Stay on the tiny amount for a week.
You want to see what happens as it builds up in the system.
You could do every other day for a week and then go to every day for a week.
There are no medals given out for going faster, but punishment is certain if you go too fast.
Posted by Annthenurse (Member # 5118) on :
Thanks. I was afraid to start him again. I will do it with supper.