Why don't doctors tell us

Why don't doctors tell us??? Do they just not know or bother to find out?? Do they want to keep us as miserable as possible so we will come in faithfully every week to see them? This is what I mean. I discovered (here) that adding fiber to my drinks (like Benefiber stuff) helps solidify my poops. When I mentioned that to my GI, she said, "yes, that can help. Why didn't she bring it up??? I went on line and looked up the maximum safe dose of Immodium (or its generic equivalent) It turns out that 10 pills a day is considered the maximum safe dose. By experimenting here on my own, I've found that if I pop an Immodium just about every three hours, I can live a pretty normal life and go out in the world with less fear of accidents. I've talked in the past about the "miracle" cruise I went on. Well, looking back, it was less a miracle than a whole lot of Immodium!!! I wasn't aboout to poop my pants in front of three grandchildren. I can hold off accidents for hours - from aboout 10AM till 9PM. That allows the mush to stay in long enough to start forming pretty normal looking POOP. There may be some big reason why this is a bad idea, but till I find out, this is what I am going to do. Today I plan to go to the pool and then out to lunch with friends. A few weeks ago, I couldn't leave the house. I am going to ask my doctor why she doesn't pass tips like this on to her patients. What other helpful hints are they witholding from us??? Bet if THEY had this, they'd want to know!!!!!!!!!!!!

My son's GI said he could take it only once in a great while, once only, if needed, when he was flaring this spring and had a lot going on at school.

I totally second everything Suebear said.

But generally, yes, some GIs could be more helpful with the lifestyle/supplement items, like fiber and probiotics. I've lucked out, mine have been good to recommend these things. As for trying to produce appointments.... my first GI, whom I loved dearly, had me phone in at least once a month, and when I was flaring badly he wanted to hear from me each day!! (No charge.) I saw him only a few times a year/ We talked about fiber, diet, recipes, activities....... his informational sharing and psychological support in that way was amazing, and because we talked so often I'd think of the smallest questions about the meds, the enemas, etc.

Just to say - some are more forthcoming than others. Maybe you need to go doc shopping?

Prolonged use of Immodium can cause toxic megacolon so only for special outings. Go nuts with the fiber though. Take it with meals, it works great.

What are anti spasmodics? I think that all this Immodium would have been dangerous last December when I was discharging masses of blood ans mucus ( I called it the slime - ala Ghostbusters) - but I think I am finally improving after being so crazed on prednisone for the past two months. about time. Anyway, I'm leaving on a car trip tomorrow. I will wear a diaper, just in case, but I will continue to use Immodium (4 to 5 a day to reduce my colon motility. Believe me, there is no chance of constipation. After about 5 hoours, my body reverts to jettison mode.