I was on Imodium before I was even discharged. I can't imagine trying to function without it. But, I know some surgeons like you to try to adapt without chemical help at first.

If it were me, I certainly would take it. Imodium increases rectal tone along with slowing the bowels, so it is a good choice. I never found that stopping oral intake early made any difference. If anything, it made my gut churn even more. Some studies say a small fatty meal before bedtime slows things, because the presence of fat in the system triggers the "ileal brake" because more digestion time is needed.

Jan

hmm so maybe a spoon or two of PB (good fat) and immodium? will give it a shot.

Btw even when I had my temp ileostomy, I would wake up in the middle of the night with a ballooning full pouch needing to be emptied.

You can also practice doing kegels to help tone your sphincter.

Sue

I was in a similar situation a month ago, and I started taking 1 tablespoon of sugar free metamucil in four ounces of water after my first and last meals of the day (I don't eat past 6 PM), and that worked beautifully. Also, I don't drink water for one hour after doing the metamucil. A week later, I also started 1 immodium 30 mins prior to bed, and that finally cut it down to 6 times a day and 1 or 2 a night. I was told not to start the metamucil and immodium at the same time, because it's hard to tell what's working/not working. I started my immodium routine a week after I started the metamucil. I have FAP, but I don't see why any of this would be different though. Good luck!

Polyps the metamucil worked wonders for me in getting my stool hard. No more butt burns.

Jan last night I took 1 immodium with a spoon of PB before bedtime (3am.. got caught up listening to the Boston PD scanner) and I didnt have an accident. Just took my Immodium for tonite and hoping the trend continues =)

Sue I stopped doing Kegels after my surgery because I figured Id get the exercise holding it in daily haha. Will start it back up to see if it helps as well. I have no issues with leakage or accidents while im awake. Only when sleeping.

The rationale for kegels is that they may increase the sphincter muscle tone (which could help at at night), not just that they make the sphincter stronger under conscious control. The exercises may well help some folks (though surely not all).

Glad to hear it FXT! I love that stuff!

Immodium plays hell with my pouch. It is great for stopping BM's but then after a while it doesn't allow full emptying of pouch.

I find Codeine to be much much better. Slows things down whilst still allowing pouch emptying and keeps pain at bay.

Update... No accidents at night since I started with the Immodium. Woke up once as I was passing gas and was looking for the toilet in my dream (weird I know). Ive relied a bit more on Immodium to get my system in check as I started work this week.

Almost 4 weeks out and Im now going 3-5 times during the day and 1-3 at night. Surgeon has me set up with a CT on Monday with the radiology department. Im guessing there might be some abscess draining involved and possibly a drain inserted.

Also tried more foods, coffee, vodka and beer. All good but beer definitely creates more gas which cleans the pouch pretty efficiently even if it means more trips to the restroom.

Manchester I dont think my doctor will write me a script for codeine. Id rather just take OTC since its working.

Glad you are doing much better!

My pouch is about 23 years old and I am now on a regular course of Immodium.

You can actually take quite a lot, if needed. I was having leakage issues about a week or so ago and the GI said to up the Immodium from 2 tabs/3-4 times a day to 2 tabs/4-6 times a day.

I sometimes lose track trying to keep up with that many doses, esp btw meals. But I've learned I absolutely must keep it at a minimum of 4 times a day. If I think of it, I get to 5-6 times.

I find the Immodium does exacerbate dry mouth for me...which is already an issue without the colon. However, that can be managed with a mouth rinse, drinking and a dry mouth tooth paste that your dentist can write as a script.