UOAA Discussion Board

I have had my colostomy for over 20 years.
I am 82 years old and active. I now have a problem with daily Diarrhea and watery output. I eat moderately healthy with some (air fried) food and good vegetables. I have a couple of glasses of wine at night afer dinner. Some days I have no output. Most days I have watery output and it is constant for a good part of the day. One output after another. Usuallly 5 or 6 outputs in a row.
My questions is that I seem to be able to control the diarrheas with taking an Imodium. When I stop the imodium I have constant waterly output. I am wonderling if I can I take an Imodium every day or is there something else I can do. Appreciate any suggerstions and information if others have the same problem.

Thank you
Fire Snoop

Hi Snoop,

There are no known issues with taking immodium every day. I irrigate my colostomy each morning, and take immodium with my morning meds every day. Have been doing this for about 10 years now. No side effects, and each physician that I've asked can't think of a reason that I shouldn't be using it daily. Just a side note, I take the full recommended daily amount each morning. It has helped me maintain consistent control of my output between my irrigations. If it's working, there shouldn't be any issue with continuing its use. Hope that helps.

David

You could change your diet a little to include more foods that thicken your output.

For us Ileostomy types that's mainly

Applesauce (or unpeeled apples, no cores)

Bananas, Marshmallows, Oatmeal and al dente Rice

But I think because the digestive system is linear, they have to be consumed along with the more liquid output causing foods and drinks to be effective. Or else constipation occurs and pancaking.

Perhaps reduce foods (and drinks) that cause more watery like output?

Personally I try to avoid always requiring something if I can avoid it via other means, because the body begins to adapt and often more is required. So I got off of Imodium right away and adjusted my diet.

It's a bit harder for us Ileostomy types without a colon.

Thank you for your information and advice