lets say you go on a car trip..how soon do you take immodium?

I'm not sure you need to try to exert so much control over your new plumbing. I have traveled all over the world with my jpouch. I have done international hikes in the 100-200 mile range; backpacked, and been to many 3rd world countries. I just make sure I have TP, wipes, and calmoseptine in the event I need any of that. I never pre-plan bathroom trips....unless I have to get on a bus for an extended period of time.

Sue

I usually do take 1 imodium about 30 minutes before a long car trip just in case (meaning I'm going to be in the car more than a couple of hours at a stretch - I frequently do commutes of an hour or more without even thinking of it). I'm sure I don't always need to take it in these circumstances, but it does give me some peace of mind. So it's up to you; you're the best judge. If you feel you're going to be comfortable in a car for an extended period of time knowing you possibly can't stop exactly when you'd prefer, then you can probably forgo it. But if you're worried, bring it with you. Like I said, peace of mind. And there's no good substitute for that.

I don't use Imodium so I cant answer that but I just wanted to chime in and say I have to agree with Sue out of experience with this myself. Don't think about it so much....just let it be. Because it sounds like you have a nicely behaved j pouch.

First of all, be sure you know how YOU respond to Imodium, since some experience little effect, while others get completely constipated from a single pill! So, taking a survey won't help you there.

If you already are accustomed to it, then anytime within a few hours before you leave is fine. It begins to have an effect within 30 minutes or so, peaks around 4-5 hours, and still has an effect 24 hours later.

I usually take extra while traveling, mostly to be sure I don't have any panicky episodes (hasn't happened, but I tend to worry about it more than I should- I guess a life-time of UC...). Also, it is more aboutso eating foods of a new region without too much concern about it affecting my gut function too much.

For long car rides, my husband usually needs to stop to pee before I need to empty my pouch. Plus, it is good to get out and stretch every few hours. So, we usually stop at the rest stops and for meals.

Jan

In July of this year myself and three friends embarked on a charity event to raise money for Crohns and Colitis UK.

We drove across 12 countries in 7 days. 3500 miles in total.

I took 4 immodium and 2 codeine each morning which ensured I only used the bathroom once until around 6 PM.