Hi folks
My Dad had his gall bladder removed about seven years ago after
experiencing severe pains due to gall stones.
Ever since the operation, he suffers for about two days every two to
three months with vomiting bile, dizziness and passing out (fainting)
which on several occasions have been severe enough to call out the
emergency doctor or visit A&E (ER) in an ambulance.
The rest of the time he is extremely fit and very active and walks and
cycles regularly.
He is a none smoker and non drinker and is fanatical about his diet,
avoiding fat as much as possible (ie no spread on bread) and generally
tries to look after himself.
He has had extensive tests carried out on him in both private and NHS
hospitals, all of which have proved non-conclusive.
Tests have included MRI scans, endoscopies, X-Rays, Ultrasound scans,
heart tests, blood pressure tests, blood sugar tests, wearing a
monitoring box for 24 hours, been wired up to numerous machines etc
and has seen GPs, hospital doctors and gastric specialists which has
all failed to diagnose any specific problem.
I was interested to read on the net about Cholestyramine (Questran)
because I think that his problem may be caused by excess bile which
builds up after a time and gets to a level where it causes the
symptoms above. I have decided against suggesting this to him after
reading about side effects which include tumors in animal tests,
severe stomach pains with nausea, vomiting and dizziness (which is
what I'm trying to overcome), diarrhea, bloating and headaches.
I feel so helpless when he has these distressing and debilitating
symptoms because no-one seems to know what is wrong and I don't know
how best to help him.
I know that this is not normal after gall bladder removal but would
like to hear from anyone who suffers from the same symptoms. Is there
an (preferably natural) alternative to Cholestyramine (Questran) for
"mopping up" excess bile ?
I would be extremely grateful for any advice that anyone can give me.
Many thanks
John