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Immodium

clhsc

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clhsc Apprentice
clhsc
Posted

So I had my colonoscopy yesterday - not too bad except for the prep. Anyway, the doctor took several biopsies, but said he couldn't see anything abnormal right off. He suggested I stay gluten-free as that seemed to be helping to do degree. He also told me to take 1 Immodium at each meal. Doesn't this seem like a lot? Of course I was out of it when he was talking with me & my family, so I didn't get to ask him for how long. Has anyone else been on this daily and if so for how long? I just don't want to turn one problem into another.

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ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted
So I had my colonoscopy yesterday - not too bad except for the prep. Anyway, the doctor took several biopsies, but said he couldn't see anything abnormal right off. He suggested I stay gluten-free as that seemed to be helping to do degree. He also told me to take 1 Immodium at each meal. Doesn't this seem like a lot? Of course I was out of it when he was talking with me & my family, so I didn't get to ask him for how long. Has anyone else been on this daily and if so for how long? I just don't want to turn one problem into another.

Can you just stay gluten free for a while to see if that helps before starting the immodium? I was on daily multiple doses of immodium and also an antispasmotic for over 15 years. What that led to in me was 2 fold, one I would wake up in the middle of the night for very painful D for 3 hours straight after the meds wore off and 2 I ended up incontient, although that was, I believe, more from the nerve damage that was done during the 15 years of symptom control rather than anyone actually trying to diagnose me.

Did you have a colonoscopy, (they go in from the bottom) or an endoscopy (they go down your throat). A colonoscopy is useless for celiac diagnosis as the villi they need to sample are in the small intestine. Many times also the damage to the small intestine can be patchy or a doctor will just do a 'look and see' and not do the needed biopsies. There are many cases of false negatives and also cases where the damage is slight and the doctor will say it is inconclusive, go on the diet if you want or continue to poison yourself until the damage is obvious.

If you have seen improvement with the diet, I would stick with it strictly for at least 3 months. Then if you have doubt still maybe look into Enterolab testing or do a cautious gluten challenge.

happygirl Collaborator
happygirl
Posted

I personally would continue on the gluten free diet, very strictly. I would supplement with immodiums (some are not safe...make sure you read.) as needed.

the other thing: if you had a colonoscopy, it would NOT show damage for celiac. A colonoscopy is NOT the correct procedure for dx'ing Celiac. Celiac damage is found in the small intestine, which is done through an endoscopy. Also, until you get the biopsy reports back, it is hard to say that there was no damage (assuming that you also had an endoscopy...but again, if it was only a colonoscopy, that was not the procedure you needed done)

jerseyangel Proficient
jerseyangel
Posted

Immodium (which I use) is generally only taken when needed. The directions say to take one at each meal--but only until the D lets up.

If you are still not sure, you can always call the doctor's office for clarification.

As you continue on the gluten-free diet, you will probably not even need the Immodium, unless accidently glutened. :)

clhsc Apprentice
clhsc
Posted
  • Author

I guess I should have clarified a bit... I had a colonoscopy to check that it was "just celiac disease." It was scheduled before my blood work from the celiac panel came back negative. The reason he wanted to check was that colon cancer, ulcertive colitis, and diverticulitis run in my family (the last two starting in the mid-20's, I am 24).

I have not had an endoscopy and would not want to since I would have to go back on gluten (been on/off for months) to have sure results. I would rather not put myself through feeling so yuck again. He suggested the Immodium since I was I still having D. Looking back it was always when I ate something I shouldn't have. I think I am just going to eat real simple foods and see how that goes and use Immodium as a back up. Any advice on good meals that are easy on the digestive system?

ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted
I guess I should have clarified a bit... I had a colonoscopy to check that it was "just celiac disease." It was scheduled before my blood work from the celiac panel came back negative. The reason he wanted to check was that colon cancer, ulcertive colitis, and diverticulitis run in my family (the last two starting in the mid-20's, I am 24).

I have not had an endoscopy and would not want to since I would have to go back on gluten (been on/off for months) to have sure results. I would rather not put myself through feeling so yuck again. He suggested the Immodium since I was I still having D. Looking back it was always when I ate something I shouldn't have. I think I am just going to eat real simple foods and see how that goes and use Immodium as a back up. Any advice on good meals that are easy on the digestive system?

Go simple at first. Get meats, veggies, fruits, nuts or other stuff that you like that is processed as little as possible. If you tolerate dairy be sure to add at least one serving of a gluten free yogurt a day to help balance your intestinal flora. Try to stay away from processed stuff as much as you can. Use spices and herbs by a company like McCormack or another that you know is safe.

Some of my favorite things when first gluten-free was stews and soups, meat and vegatarian. I would make up a big batch with cornstarch or potato starch as a thickener or sometimes I would put half the potatoes in and let them cook till dissolved to thicken then add chunks later with my other veggies. There are gluten free stocks available, I use Pacific Foods.

Also be sure to check on nonfood items that you come into contact with. I hope you get some relief soon.

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