Near death experience with Psyllium Husk Powder

Yesterday, I came very close to death.  I feel I must pass this information on, so you don't make the same mistake.

I have recently been hearing and reading about the benefits of "Psyllium" (lowers blood pressure, lowers high cholesterol, lowers bllod fats, supports heart health, reduces glucose levels in diabetics, great for colitis or irritable bowel or constipation and hemmorrhoids etc.,)

I decided to purchse Psyllium. (No, I did NOT consult with my surgeon...YIKES!)
Yesterday at 12:30 (lunch) I mixed a tablespoon in juice and took two sips.  Instantly, my throat and tongue felt like BUGS were running ramped!  Within minutes, water began running out of my eyes, mouth, nose and pouring off my forehead.  I began violently throwing up, followed by water diarrhea.  My heart was racing off the charts, my body turned fire red, my arms and fingers were swollen and my fingernails turned blue.  My body was filled with chills.

I realized I was in anaphylaxis shock and knew it was life threatening.  I knew I needed help and needed to call 911, but I was so weak and in and out of consciousness, that I could NOT get to the phone.

What I could do was pray, and I believe that God showed me mercy and saw me through.  It was 3:00 before things finally subsided and I was able to get blankets to get my body warmed.

Today, I have been doing research, and there have been others that experienced allergic reactions to "Psyllium."  I still cannot believe this happened to me. 

I wanted to give you all a "heads up" about a possibly over-rated fiber.

Blessings.

Oh, My! First of all, I AM SO GLAD YOU'RE OKAY!!!

Secondly, thanks for sharing. I had read about it, too, and have considered using it. Luckily I was going to ask my NUT when I go back in two weeks.

And blessings to you as well!

I am so glad that you read this before giving it a try. 

OMG. I am so glad you are ok now. Must have been truly scary! Thank you for the info, just sorry it happened to you.
Marilyn

I have never been so afraid.  I was home alone, I could see the telephone, but I was too weak to get to it.  I am so thankful I am able to share this info with you all today.

You might want to get a medic-alert bracelet.  You never know what other meds have it, or something close to it in it.

That's great advice.  Yes...I was reading that there are some high fiber cereals that used to use Psyllium and now they have to put warnings on the front labels.

You (and we along with you) are very fortunate that you survived this horrific experience.

Like you, I believe God spared you, not only to warn others but also because your work here on earth is not finished.

Did you make it to the hospital?  I know you improved, but it might have been a good idea just to be sure and also to get documentation.

Your story (and I am so glad it had a happy ending) is another example of the reason I get scared for (and sometimes snarky with) people who decide to try these "herbal cleanse" products.  In all reality, no one really knows what's in some of them or how their bodies will react.  At BEST, they are overpriced laxatives.  At worst, they could be deadly toxins and/or create an electrolyte imbalance that someone just can't overcome.

Just because someone is selling a product that seems safe and/or makes pretty promises does NOT mean that we should believe it will offer any kind of answer for us as individuals.  OTC products can be DEADLY (just as my mother could die from even a baby aspirin, or my friend die from a latex bandage).  I am allergic to adhesive of all kinds, and in the hospital after my tummy tuck the doctor used a huge sheet of clear plastic tape on my stomach and then left for the weekend.   The nurses ignored my repeated cries for help.  When the doctor appeared on Monday morning, I was sobbing; he removed the bandage....... and chunks of skin it was attached to.  I was blistered and stilll have scars.  This was from a "safe" product.

We who have had WLS are especially susceptible to anything we consume, since our digestive tracts have been rewired and in some cases parts removed.  I got deathly sick today eating a school lunch that contained some things I haven't had since surgery.  Only slight variations, but just regular food with perhaps a different spice or ingredient was enough to make me ill enough to nearly faint.

Thank you for writing us about your experience.  I'm very glad that you're OK, and I hope that no one else ever has to feel that way.  More importantly, I hope everyone reads it and understands your message.

God bless.

Thank you so much for your kind and caring reply.  My husband scolded me last night because I did slip back into the old habit of trying the latest "diet" gimmick.  That mindset is hard to break.  He reminded me that I have been successful and should continue to diet with the natural food that God designed, along with exercise.

I learned a tough lesson on how tender our pouches are and how sensitive our new plumbing can be. 

My goodness...the stories you shared are surely eye-opening as well.

Thanks for the encouragement.

The reaction you had was terrible, but it didn't have anything to do with your having had weight loss surgery.  Psyllium is known for producing allergic reactions, sometimes severe.  This is uncommon and idiosyncratic, but it's hardly rare.

Psyllium fiber is completely natural, which means that choosing "natural food" is no guarantee that you won't end up being allergic to it.

/Steve