Week Of November 13, 2023
QUESTION: Sometimes I don’t get the recommended doses of cholestyramine because of needing to take it on an empty stomach during the day. I understand you can take Welchol with food, and I can tolerate both CSM and Welchol. Are they equally good or is one better than the other?
ANSWER: You may find that a shared dosing schedule of CSM and Welchol suits your daily schedule better. Here is the recommended dosing schedule:
Take one dose of CSM 30 minutes before breakfast and at bedtime.
Take Welchol with food at lunch and supper. You get near-equal benefit with less hassle.
2/ CSM and weight
QUESTION: Does cholestyramine cause weight loss?
ANSWER: No, CSM does not cause weight loss. Before it was used in the Shoemaker Protocol™, historically CSM was used as medication to treat high cholesterol and weight loss has not been considered a side effect.
3/ CSM and digestive issues
QUESTION: I read many patients have trouble with CSM. Specifically, does long term use cause gut problems? Can you provide tips for using CSM for those of us who tend toward
slow transit time?
This is a common question and concern, and typically the digestive side effects are manageable.
To note, the benefits of using cholestyramine in the Protocol treatment have been extensively tested in multiple clinical trials, successfully used in tens of thousands of patients, and far outweigh the possible short-term digestive side effects. The possible effects can be alleviated with various simple remedies, including:
- Supplementing with high-dose fish oil 1-2 weeks before treatment, as well as during therapy, can minimize the side effects.
- To reduce constipation, patients often simply increase their fruit and fiber products or add a product with psyllium such as Metamucil. Prunes, magnesium citrate, or Miralax can be used in stubborn cases. Drinking adequate water is also essential.
- Although often these symptoms naturally resolve within a few days, to help minimize indigestion or heartburn, or to make it more pleasant to “go down,” liquids can be used. Mixing CSM with Gator-Ade and processing the mixture in a blender has helped a lot of people. Or try apple juice, cranberry juice, or it’s been found that dissolving CSM in lukewarm water then adding ice can help reduce heartburn.
- If they continue to experience unmanageable digestive concerns, I would use Welchol. Though less effective, and may take longer, it may be worth it to ease any unmanageable digestive discomfort.
Also, keep in mind, many CIRS patients experience diarrhea or soft stools as a symptom and CSM can provide a welcome benefit.
4/ Headaches:
QUESTION: Does mold cause pain and pressure in the head?
ANSWER: Over 70% of CIRS patients have headaches.
5/ Mildew/CIRS symptoms:
QUESTION: I was exposed to black mildew. I lived in the building for 4 years coughing up blood, and diagnosed with pneumonia. I am also allergic to mold. What is the probability of me still having mildew in my system or mold illness? Does it cause ongoing fatigue and muscle
weakness?
The illness could involve inflammation. If you do have CIRS/mold illness due to a genetic predisposition, the biotoxins do not move out of your body, and could still be affecting you. The Shoemaker Protocol™ diagnostic testing pathway is recommended.
Here is a common CIRS symptom roster:
There are many mold symptoms, because the illness affects multiple systems in the body, which in turn, causes the patient to exhibit multiple symptoms. If you are experiencing several of these symptoms, you could be suffering from mold illness.
♦Fatigue ♦Weakness ♦Aches ♦Muscle Cramps ♦Unusual Pain ♦Ice Pick Pain ♦Headaches ♦Light Sensitivity ♦Red Eyes ♦Blurred Vision ♦Tearing ♦Sinus Problems ♦Cough ♦Shortness of Breath ♦Abdominal Pain ♦Diarrhea ♦Joint Pain ♦Morning Stiffness ♦Memory Issues ♦Focus/Concentration Issues ♦Word Recollection Issues ♦Decreased Learning of New Knowledge ♦Confusion ♦Disorientation ♦Skin Sensitivity ♦Mood Swings ♦Appetite Swings ♦Sweats (especially night sweats) ♦Temperature Regulation Problems ♦Excessive Thirst ♦Increased Urination ♦Static Shocks ♦Numbness ♦Tingling ♦Vertigo ♦Metallic Taste ♦Tremors
You may also wish to review a more comprehensive symptom roster, plus learn about the diagnostic pathway in “Got Mold?” Surviving Mold’s free downloadable guide.
The first test in the diagnostic process can be done online in a few minutes: Take the online Visual Contrast Screening (VCS) to check your symptoms and determine probability of having CIRS/mold illness.
6/ VCS:
QUESTION: My VCS test was a pass on both sides. I did choose “I don’t know” on a lot of them. This time but I still passed both sides. Why am I passing the VCS with so many “I don’t know” chosen?
ASNWER: VCS scoring is reported on what you did know and not what you don’t know.
7/ QUESTION: I am passing the VCS but notice I am missing 4 E on the right side and 1 on the left. What is E’s indicative of?
ANSWER: Row E is used for other entities besides CIRS.
