Thoughts on Pepto Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate)?

[BonSong]

Hi everyone... I'm still hanging on here waiting to be seen by my gastroenterologist and not doing well at all. I had my FMT via poop pills on May 27, thru an Infectious Disease specialist, and have had diarrhea ever since; I had a week or two of things seeming to improve in earlier July (I think...can't quite remember exact dates), but for the last couple of weeks, I have diarrhea and cramping every single day, with nausea, dehydration, malaise, etc. I don't know what's going on - I don't know if my Ulcerative Colitis is in a flare, or if I'm relapsing with the c. diff, or what, but have been reading about bismuth subsalicylate (aka pepto bismol) and wondering if it could help or hinder the gut flora. People with UC have reported good/bad effects with it so I don't know how helpful it would be in that case, but I did read where it had some mild bactericidal properties... and that some people here have managed low grade c. diff recurrences with it.

I'm only hesitant to try out because, what if it kills off some of the good bacteria too? Has anyone here had a c. diff relapse after trying it out? (or, conversely, has anyone warded off a c. diff relapse with it?) and if so how did it go/what was your experience? I haven't been tested for a c. diff relapse in about a month.

Just trying to stay hydrated here. Gastroenterologist can't see me until end of August. :( I was supposed to see her July 1, but was too sick with my menstrual period at the time to make the drive in my crap car with no a/c (it was so very hot that day).... so had to reschedule for end of August was the earliest they could schedule me...just desperate here for some relief...

[beth22]

I have warded off a relapse with it and used it for mild relapses. I don't know if it kills some good bacteri - probably it does. I have used it for a long time.

[BonSong]

Roy that is the most inappropriate thing I've ever heard come from someone who's supposed to be a moderator. There was absolutely no way I could operate a vehicle in the condition I was in, and no one could just drop out of work to take me on that day. This post was about bismuth subsalicylate. That was July 1st anyway, and now I'm so sick that I am bedbound without even being on my menstrual period so now my family has to miss work just to get me to my appointment....in a month from today. I have severe menstrual problems which you obviously know nothing about, and is crippling for some women, especially women like me whose health is already compromised by something like c. diff and inflammatory bowel disease. My condition continues to decline as each day passes, my family is exhausted and mentally breaking down, I am missing yet another semester at college, and all I want/need is for my gastroenterologist to please see me. Until then, what else can I do? Look into pepto bismol? Oh wait, that's what this post was about...

[beth22]

Since your gastro can't see you, call the office and ask them if it would be ok for you to take the Pepto. My experience has been that when you have an active c diff infection that is full blown, it does not help much, but if it is low grade or if it is IBS, it should give you some relief. Also, ask how much you can take per day. That is what I would do.

[BonSong]

Thanks Beth. I will probably ask the Infectious Disease specialist about how it affects gut bacteria since she might know more about the flora end of it... I have a feeling it probably won't help. I am just..... in pain though.

I'm really sorry but I just don't understand why people are so mean to me. What Roy said to me really upset me. As if to say I am not as sick as I am...? Why do I have to prove how sick I am? do I have to up and die to prove it? I feel like I've got half my foot in the grave as it is... I know how much it hurts when people are mean and that is why I don't think I could have a cruel bone in my body, but I will stick up for myself. All I want, all I need is to be seen by my doctor. I think I would just calm down if she could see me so I wouldn't be in limbo for months and months, likely in an IBD flare left hanging like this. I am a very reasonable person. There is absolutely no rationale to be disrespectful...

[beth22]

Don't worry about what Roy wrote. I'm sure he did not mean to upset you or any harm. I used to suffer with terrible cramps myself when I was young. Men really don't understand these types of things. Is there a cancellation list that you can get on for your doctor? Or ask if you can call every afternoon to see if there are any cancellations. Sometimes that works. I have the same problem right now trying to see the motility specialist. My appointment is not until the 19th of August and I have been trying unsuccessfully. This is his last week before he goes on vacation, so I guess I will just have to wait too. But, try and call again and explain how very sick you are. Good idea to ask the ID about the Pepto. Mine did not seem to think there was any harm in it, but I did not have IBD, just SIBO/IBS. If things get very bad, maybe you should go to the ER.

Let us know how things go.

[Bobbie]

Beth had some great ideas. Follow her advice. Call and say, "I need to be seen as soon as possible. Do you have a wait list? If not, how often should I call before I am seen?" Then pause. He/she who talks next looses.

You had me thrown for a long time - knew you were student but not sure whether male or female until you mentioned periods. Roy doesn't have them so doesn't understand - nor does any other male. Let them give birth!

My first bout of C.diff. was when I was 51 and in the middle of menopause. I was so sick (pneumonia, sinusitis, UTI, and C. diff.) my periods stopped completely. The only good thing C. diff. ever did for me!

See CDI - Hormones.

[getwellsoon]

BonSoon, Can you see another Dr. or go to the ER? It isn't good to have so much pain etc. and wait that long. I wouldn't, I would get a new Dr. I pray you feel better and I would also try tthe Pepto if the Dr. okays it. I don't see why he shouldn't. I also would continue with the pain pills as long as Dr. says ok on that also. I had to take pain meds my whole cdiff journey and Dr. said it was fine. Hang in there, we know what you are oging through. Let us know what happens, we care.

[pinkangel]

Hey Bon Song :) Its me I am with you on the periods. They are disabling after cdiff. I usually dont leave the house those days because of the pain and staying glued to the toilet. I always end up taking pepto around that time and it helps a little . I think it binds the stool so it is less watery. I often wondered if it is low level infection it is treating. Will try to msg you today.