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Proctitis & Imodium

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Posted 4/18/2008 2:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi guys,

I was diagnosed with proctitis about 5 years ago and have been using Asacol since then to control my symptoms. Sometimes, though, I feel like it's all in my head. For example, it always seems to get worse when I worry that it's going to happen, or when there's  no toilet around.

Recently, I've resorted to taking Imodium if I get diahorrea when on a night out or far from home. I get really frustrated when I cant enjoy myself for worrying or when I have to go to the toilet every two minutes. Could taking Imodium as more of a preventative measure like this harm me in any way? Sorry if this sounds like a trivial problem, but it's beginning to get me down.

Thanks

Posted 4/18/2008 3:57 PM (GMT 0)
We have some members that regular take Imodium. My GI has okayed it for occasional use (long car trips, etc). Taken in high dose we have to worry about toxic megacolon.

By the way it is not a trivial problem. It is one most of us deal w/ on a regular basis. I keep imodium in my handbag. For some reason it makes me feel better just knowing it is there!
Posted 4/18/2008 4:06 PM (GMT 0)
Thats interesting Tabitha. My GI prescribed me loperamide (immodium) and said it was ok to take it whenever i needed it. I dont use it a ton, but totally helps out with the minor flares that i get every little bit.
Posted 4/18/2008 4:50 PM (GMT 0)
I also take Immodium once in a while if I'm going out or something. I always just take one, once a day. Try not to for more than two days in a row. Even though I'm not really having many problems now, I think it is just more of a peace of mind thing. My doc said taking it once in a while is fine.
Posted 4/18/2008 5:11 PM (GMT 0)
It's not in your head. It happens to all of us. Not knowing if there's a toilet around or in some place you go into, revs up the nervous system. Sparks the good ole peristalsis, and can send my intestines to thinking it has to go NOW. Sometimes I talk to it and tell it NO! You do not really need to go, quit. It usually wins.

Can be fine, then someone goes into the only bathroom and all of a sudden you have to go.
You walk in a bathroom with a feeling you may need to go and someone is using it and all of a sudden it goes from maybe to urgent in about 2 seconds, lol.
You have been fine all morning and right when you have to go out the door all of a sudden you have to go............................. it goes on and on.
Out on golf course and you realize the porta potty isn't for another 4 holes, and you were fine till that thought crossed your mind.
TAKEOFFs and LANDINGS ON AIRPLANES!!

Absolutely ridiculous.. I have to go now just thinking about this. Anti-spasmodics ftw.

:-)
Posted 4/18/2008 8:44 PM (GMT 0)
Immodium doesn't work for me, but my GI prescribes me tylenol #3 (with codeine), which has a slight constipating effect. If I know that I am going to be out and about without easy access to a bathroom, one pill is able to get me through it.
Posted 4/18/2008 8:59 PM (GMT 0)
My GI said it was okay to take up to four a day, even if I took them routinely. I take one every morning. I'm thinking maybe the toxic megacolon is more of a concern for those with pancolitis than for those of us who have "just" proctitis or proctosigmoiditis.
Posted 4/19/2008 12:36 AM (GMT 0)
I normally don't suffer from "D", but the last time I had issues I took some immodium and then I couldn't go for days!  I was actually starting to get worried...don't think I'd take it again just from that one experience!  Can you really end up with toxic megacolon!?  I wonder if I was close...something just wasn't right...freaky.

Posted 4/19/2008 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
I was told by my GI to take it on a regular basis. However, I am not totally comfortable with this and so I don't do it. I just take it as needed.
Posted 4/20/2008 10:37 PM (GMT 0)
My GI said that I could use Immodium occasionally as long as there's no blood in the stool. I've only been using it if I have exams or something important that day.
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