am i alone here? every time i stop it even if my output is thick i get noticeably more spasms. i hope im wrong cause i want to stop taking it. i can thicken easily with diet alone.
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Immodium does nothing for me, but I've noticed lomotil lessens my pouch's spasms a little. (I sometimes take it before bed when I want to get a little more rest.) Maybe try taking immodium an hour or two before your pouch becomes most active?
When I first stopped using it on a regular basis I had bad spasms too. I only use it now before exercising. My occasional spasms are related to foods. I keep a food journal to identify current problems. I take a very small dose of valium if the spasms feel like glass is stabbing me.
More experienced j-pouchers tell me I will not have to worry about this over time. It just takes a while for our system to fully develop. Problem foods include red beets, romaine lettuce, green onions and sauerkraut.
More experienced j-pouchers tell me I will not have to worry about this over time. It just takes a while for our system to fully develop. Problem foods include red beets, romaine lettuce, green onions and sauerkraut.
There are other drug choices for spasms; bentyl, levsin, and levbid. Imodium and lomotil in the early days were murder for me. I preferred higher frequency over feeling stopped up.
Sue
Sue
i think youre right suebear. i think the imodium is highly counterproductive to me but when the spasms increase i panic and run to it. my new insurance kicks in in about a week so ill ask my doc then to prescribe one you suggested...
No, you are not alone, quit taking this crap as soon as you can, it can be helpful at first but, Unless you absoluty have to take this crap get rid of it. It takes time, but your body will adjust, no, not overnight, but it will make adjustments. I have always wondered why anyone would want to "Plug" up the system & hold that toxic waste inside, do ya think it might be the reason for some infections?? remember, a clean pouch is a Happy pouch!!, If you have to empty, empty. I realise that there are those that have no choice & must take it. but for those that don't, Don't. As to the spasms, I wish I could give some advise, In my case they seemed to lessin with time, (I don't have them anymore Good Luck
I guess I am one of those who need Imodium long term. I have tried to stop it, but the frequency is high enough to interfere with normal life. But, I do need less than I did during the first few years post op.
No way am I plugged up, since my frequency is 6-10 times a day even with 4 Imodium a day and daily Vicodin. I do agree that we should not be trying to achieve the same low frequency that folks with a healthy colon enjoy (once or twice a day). I think that just promotes bacterial growth that is counter productive.
As to the spasms; yes I do notice more of a crampy sensation when I do not take Imodium. Probably has more to do with its overall effect in slowing the gut than actually being an antispasmodic. The thing about antispasmodics like Levsin and Bentyl though, is that they have side effects that are probably more troublesome than any associated with Imodium. They are in the same class as scopalomine, and can cause dizziness and a "dopey" sensation. I guess you just have to pick your poison, so to speak, and decide what inconvenience is acceptible to you.
Jan
No way am I plugged up, since my frequency is 6-10 times a day even with 4 Imodium a day and daily Vicodin. I do agree that we should not be trying to achieve the same low frequency that folks with a healthy colon enjoy (once or twice a day). I think that just promotes bacterial growth that is counter productive.
As to the spasms; yes I do notice more of a crampy sensation when I do not take Imodium. Probably has more to do with its overall effect in slowing the gut than actually being an antispasmodic. The thing about antispasmodics like Levsin and Bentyl though, is that they have side effects that are probably more troublesome than any associated with Imodium. They are in the same class as scopalomine, and can cause dizziness and a "dopey" sensation. I guess you just have to pick your poison, so to speak, and decide what inconvenience is acceptible to you.
Jan
My GI doctor just prescribed Hyoscyamine (Levsin is another name for it) and that is sure helping me a lot with the spasms. I wish he would have given it to me earlier. Now if I could just get rid of this darn flu bug. OMG it is kicking my butt.