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What Causes Severe Diarrhea Despite Being On Welchol?

Posted on Tue, 9 Dec 2014

Question: I have tested positive for c diff twice. After vancomycin and dificid my gastroenterologist put me on Welchol for the diarrhea. For the past 6-8 weeks I have had diarrhea off and on again on 625 mg of Welchol 3 times a day. Could my c diff be back or would the diarrhea be more vicious even on Welchol.

Answered by Dr. Arun (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please provide information to help you further..

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I understand your concern.
I am Dr. Arun Tank, infectious diseases specialist, answering your query.

I want to ask you certain questions.

Have you undergone gallbladder removing surgery?

Is it the first time episode that you are experiencing this on and off diarrhoea or its second time ?

Have you tested yourself C. diff for this time?

I will be happy to answer your further concern, you can ask me on bit.ly/DrArun.
Thank you.
Dr Arun Tank
Infectious diseases specialist.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Arun (17 minutes later)

yes I underwent gallbladder surgery about 15 months ago. I had diarrhea after gallbladder surgery and took lomotil only to find out in January that I had Giardia. The diarrhea didn't go away. I tested positive for c diff on 5-4 and took Vacomycin. Then tested for c diff again May 30 and took Dificid. I started Welchol back in XXXXXXX I've had off and on diarrhea for approximately 8 weeks maybe a little longer. I will go somewhere between 5-9 days with solid stools then a day maybe two with diarrhea. This is while taking the 625mg of Welchol 3 times daily. I do not have a c diff test report yet? Do you think I need one?

Answered by Dr. Arun (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need to test for both Giardia and C diff..

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,

As you had underwent surgery, welchol taking is essential for you.

You should be tested for Giardia and C diff both.

The treatment strategy can be decided after the test for above to bacteria.

In case if both are negative there is need to add some more antidiarrheal agent after due consultation from your family doctor.

I will be happy to answer your further concern, you can ask me here or you can contact me on bit.ly/DrArun.

Thank you
Dr Arun Tank
Infectious diseases specialist
If your query is resolved you can close the answer and rate me.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj