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Posted 5/13/2011 12:49 AM (GMT 0)
Do most find it ok to take imodium. Having issues and I still have to work and wondering how most who use it make out. Helpful? Not helpful? When to take it?
Thanks in advance.
Posted 5/13/2011 9:09 AM (GMT 0)
I find it very helpful. Sometimes just 1 or 2 tablets does the trick for me. I take it when I am having a bad day and know I am going to work. After my 1st loose stool, I take 1 and if it doesn't work within 45 mins, I tke another and that usually works well for me.
Posted 5/13/2011 11:54 AM (GMT 0)
Early on, I was so scared by reading about toxic megacolon that I have never used it. Some folks here do use it judiciously with goo success.
Posted 5/13/2011 1:16 PM (GMT 0)
I use LOMOTIL everyday,  It gives me the peace of mind knowing that I wont have to find bathrooms while I'm out with 3kids.  My GI has no problem with me taking it daily, I only take one after my BM's in the morning and I'm set for the rest of the day.

I tried immodium years ago and found it gave me major gas pains, & bloating.  Plus it was not covered by my drug plan and Lomotil is and its cheap and works much better.  My Gi has never had any concerns about Toxic mega colon because I'm regular every morning.   Thanks to this med I have a life again, can sit in a car or plane for hours, go out to the park and just live..

Posted 5/13/2011 1:28 PM (GMT 0)
I wondered about the use of Immodium too. Like Songlady, I worry about toxic megacolon, especially since I tend to be on the constipated side.

I also don't get diarrhea. I just have the urge to go and when I'm not doing well, I'm just passing blood and mucous. Would Immodium slow that down too or just if you're having diarrhea?
Posted 5/13/2011 1:53 PM (GMT 0)
I use the liquid Immodium when necessary- usually once or twice a week, & I start with a half-dose. I don't often have diarrhea, but I do go a lot, soft but formed stools. The Immodium usually gets me where I have to go- work, errands, etc. I only take it when I absolutely have to leave the house.

Posted 5/13/2011 6:36 PM (GMT 0)
Chris...are you still using the enemas?

Can you use fibre supplements? and probiotics?

I would suggest that if you do use imodium...you use it at the lowest possible dosage.

Just realise that if you're flaring to deal with the inflammation. Imodium can put some in a false sense of "I'm doing OK"..

q
Posted 5/13/2011 8:05 PM (GMT 0)
I use half of a pill which is like quarter of a dose when I have to go to work. I was concerned at first and never have it on the weekend or vacation or days off. Every once in a while I have another whole one if I am having a rough day. But that is only 3/4s of one dose. To me, I am taking such a small amount that I tend to convince myself the risk is limited and the benefits of being comfortable are worth it. My doctor approves of this practice even though I have voiced possible concerns so I feel fairly comfortable with what I'm doing.
Posted 5/13/2011 8:12 PM (GMT 0)
Both of my GIs said no to Immodium when flaring. I have often been envious of those here who use it. :)
Posted 5/13/2011 11:28 PM (GMT 0)
I think its fine to a certain extent. My GI told me that it was fine if I dont take it everyday but I try not taking it at all. Another thing, it makes me really sleepy!
Posted 5/14/2011 1:00 AM (GMT 0)
Three every morning. Usually don't use it Sat or Sun. Used more when flaring. Used it and lomitil over last 6 or 7 years. Just used immodium last couple years.
Posted 5/14/2011 3:03 AM (GMT 0)
My GI always asks if I use imodium and seems to encourage it. I used to use it when I was teaching. I would also take as little as possible. I found 1/2 pill to be helpful, but sometimes I needed more. Now that I am at home with my kids, I don't use it. I find that the short term benefits come with a price; I seem to feel worse with gas, bloating, etc later after taking it. I would like to try the lomotil as I have heard that it doesn't have the after effects like imodium, but I want to wait until I am no longer breastfeeding as I believe it has a narcotic component.
Posted 5/14/2011 3:44 AM (GMT 0)
Well thank you all for your input. I would like to try the lomotil too after reading your replys. Problem is I am about 5000 klms from home at a work camp in northern Alberta. I do have the imodium here with me but I was scared to take it. If thing get bad enough I feel it will be ok to take after reading replys here. Piece of mind know that also. I think my issues have a lot to do with the food here, even though I am not eating anything spicy, oily,beefy etc.

Q, I do have 2 enemas, 7 bum darts, both salofalk, with me but thats it and no access to anything other than what I took here with me.(regular daily meds)

Thanks again
Posted 5/14/2011 5:25 AM (GMT 0)
I would be much more scared to use Lomotil! Three GI's have refused to give me an Rx, they say use Immodium instead. The reason being Lomotil is much stronger and makes you drowsy. Immodium works fine on me, if I use it in normal doses. I have used bigger doses (like on vacation) and it works perfectly the first day, the next day it works okay and I feel slightly hungover, and the third day I feel really hungover in the morning and it semi-works. Otherwise I use it regularly (to get to and from school/work) at regular doses and it's fine.
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