HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Immodium

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 10/16/2009 1:31 PM (GMT 0)
      This morning I am having a problem with loose bowels.  Thank God I have a portapot close by.  I was wondering if any of you take Immodium for diarrhea?  I only saw a bit of blood in the first bowel movement.  After that, no blood and no mucus, just very mushy stool.  We have Immodium in the medicine cabinet.  It says not to take it if you have bleeding issues, but I can't just sit on the pot all day, so I took a dose.  So far it hasn't worked though..lol.  No sense inserting the Cort enema, it will only fly right out.
Posted 10/16/2009 1:34 PM (GMT 0)
Imodium got me through high school. A lot of GIs don't recommend it because of the risk for toxic megacolon. My GI said it was fine in moderation and don't go over the daily dose. Normally I just need one and the d is done! lol
Posted 10/16/2009 2:01 PM (GMT 0)
Two in the morning when my feet hit the floor on the work weekdays. Helps me through the mornig drive.
Posted 10/16/2009 2:18 PM (GMT 0)
I take one in the morning and one in the evening. It helps with the little IBS problems.
Posted 10/16/2009 2:32 PM (GMT 0)
I usually take one in the morning when I know I have important meetings or if I'm gonna be away from the bathroom for an extended period of time. Sometimes it gives me stomach discomfort though...
Posted 10/16/2009 2:38 PM (GMT 0)
My GI was not in favor of using Imodium for any length of time. Again, toxic megacolon was cited as the reason.

Sue
Posted 10/16/2009 2:51 PM (GMT 0)
I used it (pill form) when I had to sit on a plane for 5 hours.
Posted 10/16/2009 2:59 PM (GMT 0)
I take a half dose of the liquid Immodium if I have to take a car ride in the AM- it's 3 teaspoons, & it usually works well enough to keep me from going for about 2-3 hours. Or if it's a really bad, awful day, I'll take a whole dose & live in blissful, bathroom free heaven for the day! I don't take it very often, maybe once or twice a month. But it's always in the medicine cabinet!
Posted 10/16/2009 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
My GI had me try it, and lomotil, before I was diagnosed, and neither worked even a little bit. The only thing that gave me any relief was codeine, which absolutely cannot be used long term.
Posted 10/16/2009 4:42 PM (GMT 0)

I take 1/2 a tablet every morning with my pills.  If going out - be sure to take a couple hours before.  If 1/2 does not "work" I take the other 1/2.  So far weeks of no medication BUT Imodium and pepto (for nausea occasionally) and feeling good.  Formed 2 BM's  a day - tiny blood sometimes. 

My new specialist prescribed the Imodium up to 8 tablets a day as needed.

ElaineNY

Posted 10/16/2009 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
     Thank you all.  I have the liquid and only took half the dosage this morning and it worked!  Hope I don't need it every day.
Posted 10/16/2009 5:44 PM (GMT 0)
I take 1 lomotil every morning after my first couple BM's and I'm great for the rest of the day.  My GI said it was fine to take daily.
Posted 10/18/2009 5:59 AM (GMT 0)
Use it only in case of urgency!!Not on a daily basis
Posted 10/18/2009 6:16 AM (GMT 0)
My GI told me tje risk is bkockage if you take too much. Other than that ha says it's O.K. I'm like many others on this forum and use it to get through work, drives etc.
Posted 10/18/2009 3:45 PM (GMT 0)

Both my doctors have PRESCRIBED it as part of my treatment.  Only thing I am using right now.  I never use it until I have had at least one BM in the morning.  I take 1/2 as I am very sensitive to all medication.  My new specialist with 30 years experience told me up to 8 a day, as needed.

Anyone here ever had or know anyone who had a problem taking Imodium.  I have only read the good or no help posts.

ElaineNY

Posted 10/18/2009 4:21 PM (GMT 0)
Elaine...maybe your doctors prescribed imodium because the other medicines have not been working for you and you've been having allergic reactions to them.

So, it's being used as a solution after other possible treatment options have been exhausted?

From what I know, imodium should be used sparingly, but I agree that it would be interesting to read posts from anyone who has actually experienced adverse effects from long-term imodium use.
Posted 10/18/2009 4:30 PM (GMT 0)

I can't really disagree with you Rio.  I know everyone is a different case also.  I would rather the mesalamines had worked (hey, they did work - but I could not handle the side effects).  Also, I have been using Imodium for many years with no bad effects - for IBS.  Also, use pepto bismal for nausea.  I highly recommend the usual medications for UC and heal the ulcers as quickly as possible.  I was considered a mild to moderate case almost two years ago.  I started the usual treatments as you know.  BUT - I never stopped using Imodium as needed according to my doctor right from the beginning!

Now consider myself 90% in remission and happy to be here for now!

ElaineNY

Posted 10/18/2009 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
Elaine, Yes, everyone's a different case (especially when it comes to UC)...

And your doctors know a lot more than us 'part-timers' on the forum, so if you're 90% to remission with what they are recommending then that's great, and hope things keep getting better.
Posted 10/18/2009 5:02 PM (GMT 0)
I am definitely pro imodium. Talk to your GI. If he/she says its and your trust their opinion, then don't worry about it.
The only thing my GI mentioned with imodium is that if you do take it on a regular basis, it can mask your symptoms and you lost track of how you're doing.
Posted 10/18/2009 5:53 PM (GMT 0)

Sam - you are so right.  That is one of the biggest problems with Imodium.  When I know I am staying home all day, especially for a couple days I do not take Imodium and my colon reminds me just where I stand!  And, I believe in taking maintenance medications, etc.  It is just that none have been found for me - all cause side effects I can't tolerate except prednisone.

ElaineNY

✚ New Topic ✚ Reply