HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Anti-Diarrheal Medication?

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 6/4/2014 9:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hey guys, so Im going to be writing the MCAT in just over a week, but I am still flaring pretty badly and am trying to do everything I can do reduce the symptoms on the day of. I know we cant take these meds long term, but they are ok to do so in the short term so Id like to give them a shot.

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on which one to use? I know Imodium is probably the most popular, but what about Pepto-Bismol? Or should I look into getting a stronger prescription variety?

Thanks for the help!
Posted 6/4/2014 11:21 PM (GMT 0)
To be real honest with you, I've not found any anti-D med that works when you're in a flare. You have inflammation in the colon and I've done Pepto, Immodium, Kaopectate, Cholostyremene, Metamucil and NOTHING HAS WORKED. I'm on the 5th day of my starter dose of Humira and things have slowed down, but not stopped...yet! I take another 80 mg of Humira on 6/12 and then...every 2 wks after that.
We'll see.

Sorry to be the bearer...
Posted 6/5/2014 1:02 AM (GMT 0)
Well, my suggestion would be -whatever you try- do a trial run before test day. That way you kinda know what to expect. If it works GREAT! But if it doesn't, it gives you time to find something else for test day. The doctors I've asked have always been too stingy or afraid to give me an anti diarrheal...always claim imodium is the same thing. Imodium worked for me until I was terribly inflamed, then it didnt even slow it down.
Posted 6/5/2014 1:09 AM (GMT 0)
Ya, there is no way I wouldnt do a trial run before hand; that would be one hell of a gamble!
Posted 6/5/2014 1:59 AM (GMT 0)
Can you write the mcat with special accommodations or is that one that you can't?
Posted 6/5/2014 2:43 AM (GMT 0)
Bentyl works great for me. 20mg 3X a day and I am almost symptom free.
Posted 6/7/2014 12:15 AM (GMT 0)
Good luck on the MCATs - maybe you'll be the one to find a cure for this wretched disease!
I've used Imodium with good results to get through the day but I agree with others that for something this important you should do a trial run. Pepto Bismal isn't strong enough for me but I guess it depends on how bad your diarhhea is.
Posted 6/7/2014 12:28 AM (GMT 0)
@Toomuchpoopin - Technically I could have gotten accommodations, but they make you (and your doctor) fill out a ridiculous amount of paper work. They essentially ask your GI to write about your entire life history, medical history, drug history etc, AND it has to be in 60 days before the write date. Unfortunately I didnt sign up for it until after the 60 day period had passed so it was not possible in my case.

@Hagz - Thank you, and I certainly hope so! Thats the plan anyway : p How much did the Imodium help? And was it immediate relief or did it take a few days?

Thanks for the replies btw everyone
Posted 6/7/2014 2:23 AM (GMT 0)
My diarrhea wasn't terrible at the time but I had to take a 5 hour car ride so I took two Immodium and they worked within maybe a half hour or so? I don't remember exactly but it was pretty quick. They actually worked the next day too, meaning I didn't go to the bathroom for 2 days, which was fine with me!
Posted 6/7/2014 12:37 PM (GMT 0)
I don't know how badly you are flaring. When I need it I take Imodium with success enough to get me through. If you are passing stool I'd suggest adding Metamucil ....start slow & work your way up. I take 6 daily even when not flaring. Certainly you need something to take the edge off and at least reduce the anxiety of the "what if" scenario that plagues us. Do a trial run this weekend. Perhaps 1 Imodium today and see how long is needed to take effect & if it's enough to give you a few hours reprieve.
Posted 6/9/2014 4:34 PM (GMT 0)
I'd recommend Imodium, 2 tabs qid... it;s the safest
Posted 6/9/2014 5:20 PM (GMT 0)
So I ended up trying 2 Imodium Advance tablets yesterday morning at about 10 am...WOW, its a real shame we cant be on this stuff permanently. First normal day Ive had in almost 5 years.

Im not sure how much of that can be attributed to a placebo affect, but I plan on doing 2 more trial runs before the MCAT and Ill let you guys know how they go.
Posted 6/9/2014 5:26 PM (GMT 0)
I've used the stuff a lot and it works for me - along with not eating much the nite before and day of whatever is planned -

good luck :-)
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply