I take it anywhere from 1 to 3 times a day. This is pretty recent. I was on Tincture of Opium for 14 years. It worked great, but, in my opinion, due to politics, I was taken off of it. I took that about 3 times a day as well. Anyway, the docs tried Imodium first and it shut me down within a week. I then went on Lomotil. It works a little slower than the Opium, but I am happy with it.

How did imodium shut you down

Yes, I take two daily. When I first got my JPouch I was taking up to 16 a day! 😳 Eight in the morning & eight in the afternoon. Luckily, over time I’ve reduced my intake considerably. I’ve had my pouch for twenty years and have had no problems taking Imodium/Lomotil.

Definitely! In my early days of takedown, immodium was my best friend!!! My dad is 66 and he takes immodium 4mg- 4x a day! Its definitely safe for long term use

I only take one or the other before bed. I have only taken them during the day a couple of times. Usually just eating thickening foods help me.

Aimee

I take two lomotil every night before bed. I've done it for at least 5 years.

Immodium shut me down in that my pouch just quit performing. I could not pass stool. There were literally no spasms to tell me I had to go. I would try to go, bit it would have involved massive straining and I know that is not good. I already have issues (pouchitis, cuffitis, possible stricture, small hernia) and knew straining would just make those things worse. I was using enemas to pass stool and even that was a challenge because of my "stricture."  I put stricture in quotes because we are not sure that is what I have. It comes and goes and I hear strictures do not do that. I finally got mad and dropped the Immodium and went back on the opium as I had some left over. Once I told the doctor, she was so relieved I had kicked teh opium habit, she was more than happy to prescribe Lomotil.

@kta posted:

Immodium shut me down in that my pouch just quit performing. I could not pass stool. There were literally no spasms to tell me I had to go. I would try to go, bit it would have involved massive straining and I know that is not good. I already have issues (pouchitis, cuffitis, possible stricture, small hernia) and knew straining would just make those things worse. I was using enemas to pass stool and even that was a challenge because of my "stricture."  I put stricture in quotes because we are not sure that is what I have. It comes and goes and I hear strictures do not do that. I finally got mad and dropped the Immodium and went back on the opium as I had some left over. Once I told the doctor, she was so relieved I had kicked teh opium habit, she was more than happy to prescribe Lomotil.

Is everything working better for you now???

This is so great to hear.  I take 1 in the morning, but if I'm spending the night at my boyfriend's house, I take another 2 before bed.  I always feel guilty about it because I worry about long-term use.  Thanks...I won't feel bad anymore .  

@Disneynut posted:

This is so great to hear.  I take 1 in the morning, but if I'm spending the night at my boyfriend's house, I take another 2 before bed.  I always feel guilty about it because I worry about long-term use.  Thanks...I won't feel bad anymore .  

Trust me, there is no long term side effects unless you do not need it anymore. My dad has been on that for years.

I am glad there is no long term side effects. I was concerned about that.

@RondaC posted:

I am glad there is no long term side effects. I was concerned about that.

ALmost 4 years ago, I was too! I understand your concern, I was in your shoes about 4 years ago. 4 years later, everything is fine! If you feel you do not need it anymore, definitely lower the dosage, but as long as you need it, its fine. I confirmed that with a Surgeon and Physicians assistant. I have also talked to other people that have been on it for years too. You are fine

I just talked to someone this morning, he  said he has been using immodium everyday for over 30 years

I have taken Imodium for almost 40 years and have had no problems at all with it. When I first had my J pouch I would take around 8 a day. For the past 13 years I have had a Kock pouch and I just take it when required.

I don't like Imodium works as well for me as Lomotil.

I used to take Lomotil but it is no longer available in the U.K.

I have researched and find that Co -phenotrope (Lomotil) is now available in the U.K. again. I will see if my GP will prescribe it for me.