Never tried Imodium/Loperamide. Is it truly beneficial?

It slows your system down. I use it before bed every night to prevent nighttime incontinence. If I didn't take it, I would have an accident. I sometimes take it if I'm going to be out all day on order to reduce the number of times I need to empty my pouch.

For those with an iliostomy, it helps prevent dehydration.

I use Lomotil very much the way Kangaroo uses Imodium. Both are bowel slowers, which can delay pouch filling. Some folks use a lot more, but I think it may have diminishing benefits if used all the time. Lomotil requires a prescription. I also use psyllium (Metamucil) every day. Both were recommended by my surgeon 18 years ago.

I do not use anything for my pouchy. I did use loperamide during  my early take down days but as of right now, I have not used it in 5 years. Loperamide helped me not go 30 times a day, I go over 10 without anything. Loperamide clogs me up now so I do not use it. 

It depends on what you need the meds for. I just asked my gastro the diff between immodium and Metamucil and he said they work completely differently. Immodium slows down the bowels. Metamucil or psyllium husk is a form of fiber and it can form gas in the bowels. For me, he didn’t suggest the Metamucil bc I have a narrowing bc of obstructions and strictures from my ostomy before my takedown. He said if I took fiber, it would cause a lot of case and discomfort. The immodium slows stuff down and allows me to go longer inbetween bathroom runs- which is what I need it for. I take two a day- one at dinner and one before bed. I still go 12x a day. 

So to make a long story short, they both work differently, so I guess it depends on what you need. If your body is used to the fiber and it works for you, go with it! 

I used to use Imodium only for years and then made the switch to Metamucil/psyllium husk. Both have their benefits but I'm sticking with Metamucil only. Experimenting with how my body responds was the only way I figured out a routine that works for me.

For a while I was using both Metamucil and then taking Imodium at night and would occasionally get a little "backed up" because I was too slowed down. Recently I had my bowel twist and required surgery and my doctor said that potentially taking imodium contributed to my bowel twist. 

He said imodium thickens me up and my bowels are like a jump rope with one end being my j-pouch and the other end being the rest of my small bowel just swirling around freely in my abdomen and the imodium could have given my intestines a little too much momentum and caused my twist. Unfortunately we don't know for sure why the twist happened but thought I would share in case it helps someone out on here. 

I take the recommended dose of Metamucil three times a day before my meals. 

@Safado posted:

I used to use Imodium only for years and then made the switch to Metamucil/psyllium husk. Both have their benefits but I'm sticking with Metamucil only. Experimenting with how my body responds was the only way I figured out a routine that works for me.

For a while I was using both Metamucil and then taking Imodium at night and would occasionally get a little "backed up" because I was too slowed down. Recently I had my bowel twist and required surgery and my doctor said that potentially taking imodium contributed to my bowel twist.

He said imodium thickens me up and my bowels are like a jump rope with one end being my j-pouch and the other end being the rest of my small bowel just swirling around freely in my abdomen and the imodium could have given my intestines a little too much momentum and caused my twist. Unfortunately we don't know for sure why the twist happened but thought I would share in case it helps someone out on here.

I take the recommended dose of Metamucil three times a day before my meals.

hi, what are the benefits for you of Metamucil? Do you have fewer outputs? More Formed?

@K_InTheFlo posted:

hi, what are the benefits for you of Metamucil? Do you have fewer outputs? More Formed?

Psyllium adds bulk to the stool. It’s easy and inexpensive to try - why not get a small amount and see whether you like the effect?

I started using Metamucil this week but My stools are not thickening.

@K_InTheFlo posted:

I started using Metamucil this week but My stools are not thickening.

How much are you using? I take one full dose prepared as described on the package with breakfast and dinner, and it has a modest but useful effect for me. If I wanted a greater effect I’d take it with lunch, too.

I tried the capsules but they didn’t seem to mix adequately during their trip through my body. The wafers worked well but added more calories than I wanted, so I’ve been using the powder for quite a while now.

How thick are you trying to make your stools? Solid, formed stools aren’t ideal for J-pouchers. Applesauce consistency is generally better.

I have been taking loperamide since my surgery in 1995. The dose has been reduced over the years as my gut adapted, but I still take it. I have never had issues with it. Metamucil, however, was a problem for me. It caused too much gas discomfort.

Jan

I used nothing for 7 years post-pouch and did just fine.  Then I developed a fistula and surgery for that damaged my sphincter, rendering me functionally incontinent.  Using Metamucil and Imodium before meals helps me avoid leaks/accidents.

Later I developed chronic pouchitis-I still take the above to manage incontinence but layered on antibiotics and Imuran to treat the pouchitis.  I'm not sure that metamucil or Imodium would help prevent or treat pouchitis BUT if you had a low-level, simmering pouchitis (like where only noticable symptom was more watery stools) they could help treat that pouchitis symptom.