Hi everyone ~
I couldn't resist commenting on a few things here (this is my first post so please bear with me I will try not to be too wordy). Regarding Imodium…, immediately after my second part of my surgery (what I think y'all refer to as "takedown"), my surgeon prescribed "Lomotil" (atropine/diphenoxylate). It, too, is an antidiarrheal that can be very beneficial—IMO more so than Imodium—however, it does have side effects not found in Imodium. Some docs don't prescribe it early on perhaps because of possible blockage. It's also in the same drug class as codeine because of the ingredient diphenoxylate, which has the potential for abuse. The other ingredient, atropine, is to discourage its abuse. Yes, Imodium (Loperamide) is (or contains an opiate, however, the minut amount does not pose a danger which is why it is sold OTC. I can tell you from my experience that I have taken as many as 12 in one dose at night [hey, what can I say...I was desperate in the beginning], to as few as 1—I had no side effects during or after (e.g., withdrawal, GI, etc.), nor did I find that taking more was of any benefit than taking less. My final surgery was in 2007 and although I've been taking 3–5 tabs daily, I honestly can't say that it helps. I was told I could expect 6-7 BMs daily and 1 at night. Sometimes I have none at night…it varies; I have as few as 2-3 to rarely more than 4 during the day BUT I spend hours in the bathroom, otherwise, I no sooner "clean up" and come out, I end up back in there moments later! AND…l still have leakage at different times of the day or night and sometimes I'm not even aware of it happening. Does any of this sound familiar to any of you? I'm so thankful for finding this site—don't know why I waited so long.