Hi everyone, this isn't exactly a "need help now!" topic, but I'm trying to be a bit proactive, because I think there may be a problem soon.

This morning I tried something I haven't done in a while, immodium. This morning at about 9:30am, I took two 2mg immodium tablets (not "immodium", but loperamine HCl, whats in immodium) and used the bathroom right before that. I haven't gone since - thats 8.5 hours! This is the longest I've gone while not sleeping, and I'm getting a little worried. I also havent had much to eat though - 2 poptart packets and two small candy bars - so I think that may be why. There was a period of about a half hour when I felt like I needed to use the bathroom, and that was right after I ate the candy bars (the pop tarts were at about 10 this morning, the candy at 3) but I haven't really felt any feeling of urgency since then. I don't have any pain (yet?) so I'm not too worried... just hoping someone may be able to give me their input on this before it gets serious. If this turns out to be normal for immodium... im loving it! Usually I go 2-3 hours between bathroom visits, and I'd be happy if this immodium increases it at all!

well one idea (??) if you're concerned, go to the grocery and pick up some prune juice. Pick up some grape juice too to mix in - it will taste better.

Drink a 16 oz or 24 oz of prune/grape mix and you will be in bathroom within the hour ......

maybe jumpstart your digestion if you're concerned it is idle.

??

I have some laxative-type pills around here (not mine, but available if necessary) but I hope I don't have to use them. I'm going to take some as soon as I get uncomfortable. And add another 45 minutes to my timer...

Sounds like this was your first time taking Imodium. If you are not hurting, bloating, etc., then I wouldn't worry too much about it. Prune/grape juice or laxative is good idea. However, if you took it, then you would not know if it was Imodium working well or was it causing blockage. Keep your diet on liquid to soft until you have BM, just in case this is a blockage.
Good luck. Keep us posted.

Imodium slows me down a lot, especially if I eat small portions like you described I won't have to go for a couple hours. I just had my reversal so a couple hours of not going is pure bliss for me

Don't concern yourself about the lack of output, at least not until you develop symptoms of obstruction. If you think you may have developed an obstruction and have a lot of pain DO NOT take a laxative (could be dangerous if you are completely obstructed). Taking a prugative while obstructed is like trying to force a ring off a swollen finger.... Fruit juice is fine.

By now you should have had a bowel movement if you have been eating and drinking.

Some people are just more sensitive to loperamide than others. Next time you decide to take it, take only one please, or even one half (1mg).

Jan

Thanks for the help guys I got back to normal around 8pm last night (total of 11 hours) and started needing BMs at my normal rate. But I already took more today - 2 2mg pills like yesterday :/ Good to know about the laxative, I'll make sure to get some fruit juice today just in case, and look out for symptoms.

P.S. Jan, I remember you helping me a lot when I first learned I needed a colectomy/jpouch, then through all my bad times with it, it's really great to see you're still here helping people!