Immodium

You don't want to use Immodium frequently or long-term, but you can use it for special occasions or traveling.

Don't use it continually. An antispasmodic could help you with some symptoms, but it won't imobilise the colon like Imodium does.

Definitely save it for the times you need it.

My perspective on it...it has its purpose, but can give one a false sense of doing well ignoring important changes that may need intervention.

Enjoy your very special day!

q

My GI said not to take it, AT ALL. Perhaps he's a bit strict and it would be helpful for special events, but you're messing around with Toxic Megacolon and emergency surgery to remove your colon, without prep, is pretty risky.
Meesh

It's weird how opinions from doctors can differ so much. I've seen people on here who've posted that their doctor told them it was okay to take Immodium every day, some say every once in awhile, others say not at all. I take it frequently, not every day but maybe more than I should.

Imodium - a subject that surely does different as we differ.  My NP told me that my doctor prescribes it for many patients.  Has to depend on condition of the person, I believe.  I have used it when needed for years for IBS/diarrhea.  I have NEVER had constipation.  So, when diagnosed with UC I also wondered.  I use it sparingly as instructed and I will write more about it and my trip to Vegas.  Just got back and very tired but want to write about my experience flying/hotels/casinos/medication and the UC.  Watch for my post.

ElaineNY

ElaineNY I can't wait to read b/c I'm trying to decide on a trip for next summer and am already worrying about going b/c of the uc. I'd love to read it. It doesn't completely stop me from going as you know nothing stops that. but it does help not feel the urgency. I just don't want to rush out of church. I guess if I have to though I have to...it's a part of life.

That is very interesting. I take 2 Lomotils in the morning every day. Otherwise, I wouldnt be able to go to work. and then about 5 hours later, I take 1-2 immodiums. This holds me over until I get home from work.
When i have special evening plans, I take more immodium. Sometimes I take too many and I feel bloated and almost constipated the next day.
my MD is aware of what I do and prescribed the lomotil.
I always wait for a BM between doses so that I dont get impacted.
I am hoping that when I see him, we can fix the flare instead of just covering the symptoms up. I know my colon is still very hurt inside and the immodium is just allowing me to live.

Thanks for the link pb4.....I'd forgotten that it stops the secretion of fluid in the bowel lining.

Even more so that I don't think it's a good idea to use it continually with an inflamed colon...since that's the colon's natural way to keep things from settling in it during inflammation.

q

thank you all so much!

laxatives because the colon is basically lazy and will take a crutch when handed readily. The dependency of laxatives is common. 

TMC is where a part of the colon is already lazy/lost its elasticity and normal movement...stop the movement of the rest of the colon, and the area that's the weakest can basically have a buildup of more gas and basically blow.

Pain meds with codeine/narcotic, totally liquid diets, not eating etc can also contritute to TMC...

that's how I see it.

q

When you Google "Toxic Megacolon and Imodium" you get a lot of info including this article...

http://www.druglib.com/druginfo/imodium/warnings_precautions/

I should have added that you should always consult your doctor or NP about medications for YOU as we are all different.  Mine knows how often I use it and when and ok'ed it for me!

ElaineNY