Koch Poucher with Diarrhea

SuzyinAL · Post by **SuzyinAL** » 2007-03-16 20:01:19

Things have gone really smooth for my husband, Tommy, since his Koch revision in April 06, but he is having a problem with diarrhea that has been going on 3-4 days. Just wondering what works for others before resorting to prescription meds. Do you take the typical OTC's or does something else work better?

Lynne · Post by **Lynne** » 2007-03-16 21:09:40

He could try some Lomotil or something like that. Is it possible that there's a blockage ?

Lynne

SuzyinAL · Post by **SuzyinAL** » 2007-03-16 21:31:38

He started with the Lomotil on Wed. (a prescription that we had when we came home from Cleveland) It did help; so he quit taking it last night, but the diarrhea returned today. He started back with the Lomotil. I wasn't sure how long he should use the Lomotil, and if maybe we should try an over-the-counter med. We have never had experience with a blockage, can you tell me more about that? Is diarrhea a symptom? Thanks so much for your reply.

Lynne · Post by **Lynne** » 2007-03-16 21:39:22

It might be a good idea to check with his doctor. Lomotil should be okay to take in small doses, especially if it solves the problem. If something is bolcked and unable to fit through the catheter, then only liquid would squeeze by, but there would probably be some discomfort too.

Lynne

SuzyinAL · Post by **SuzyinAL** » 2007-03-16 22:17:18

Lynne, thanks so much. We will continue the Lomotil for another day and see how it goes. If no improvement, we will take your advice and call Dr. Fazio's office. I will let you know how things go. I appreciate your help and direction with this problem.

w8eu · Post by **w8eu** » 2007-03-20 20:35:15

SuzyinAL wrote:He started with the Lomotil on Wed. (a prescription that we had when we came home from Cleveland) It did help; so he quit taking it last night, but the diarrhea returned today. He started back with the Lomotil. I wasn't sure how long he should use the Lomotil, and if maybe we should try an over-the-counter med. We have never had experience with a blockage, can you tell me more about that? Is diarrhea a symptom? Thanks so much for your reply.

Hi. I have had an Indiana Pouch since 85 in University Hosp in Cleveland. You will have to take lomotil regularly. Imodium is same thing (OTC) but without the narcotic. watch out for side effects Lomotil makes you very tired and very thirsty. I had an Ileal Cecal valve replacement about 6 mos. ago at the same hosp and same doctor. only take Imodium now.

lesson · Post by **lesson** » 2007-03-20 20:53:50

a few months ago I started cramping which was relieved by emptying the pouch. This happened several times a day for several days. It turned out to be some kind of bug. My only other symptom was fatigue.

That could be what's going on/

Charles_in_Tx · Post by **Charles_in_Tx** » 2007-03-21 11:35:18

Suzy;

Check under "Helpful Hints & Tips" about imodium
http://www.ostomy.evansville.net/hints. ... EVERYWHERE

SuzyinAL · Post by **SuzyinAL** » 2007-03-21 14:27:54

Thanks to all of you for your ideas and advice! I think everything is ok now. He took the Lomotil through Mon. and this is Wed. and he is still doing ok. I honestly think it might have been a bug, but you just never know with these pouches. I do intend to add imodium to our medicine cabinet.
By the way, you all probably already know this, but I read an article about probiotics yesterday that recommended that people who have pouches should take probiotics to prevent pouchitis. I looked about probiotics on Consumer Reports and their research recommended getting it through yogurt which has all that you would need. Again, thanks so much, and I wish you all well!

Lynne · Post by **Lynne** » 2007-03-21 16:37:03

Suzy,
Glad to hear he is doing better !
Lynne