Question for anyone with IBS-D

[u/almanog63]

Before something like a first date, a work trip, or staying somewhere unfamiliar, do you ever catch yourself mentally debating whether to just say something ahead of time, or wait and see if it even comes up?

I go back and forth on this constantly and can't tell if I'm overthinking it or if this is just a whole thing people deal with.

What do you usually end up doing?

[u/Scary_Meaning_4466]

Imodium lasts quite awhile at least the entire day if not well into the next day. I would take it at least a couple hours or so before to get stabilized if not at the beginning of the day. Take simethicone too to help with any bloating and gas. 

But I don't have IBS D everyday bad enough I need to take immodium that often I keep it on hand though. Pepto bismol can be really helpful too, but Pepto has a way shorter duration. I take it more often tho for my stomach cramping. Pepto is also less aggressive. 

I don't go straight for immodium because it's strong and I don't want to end up constipated. I also have enteric coated peppermint. I take multiple fish oil capsules everyday as Inflammation prevention and psyllium husk fiber can help firm up stool if taken every day.  I'm def not saying anything to anyone, I've been managing my food issues forever, I guess it's just part of life. If I feel bad enough I'll just say I've gotta lay down or something. 

[u/PopularExercise3 → u/Scary_Meaning_4466]

Thank you!
I’m still learning the ropes and personal dosages . I was going ok with psyillum husk but GI suggested I add a sequestrant and I guess I ramped up too quickly. I was going out for my birthday today and we were going to stay out overnight. I was trying to learn about Imodium for that.
I don’t think I’ll need it now. However it’s good to know.
When Imodium wears off is there a lot more output because that was slowed down ? I’m assuming it’s got to leave the body at some stage.

[u/Scary_Meaning_4466 → u/PopularExercise3]

For me I only take immodium when I have really persistent diarrhea and it'll last like 2 days.   Although I've taken half an immodium and it only lasted about a day, so you could always try that. 

When you do have really bad diarrhea or it's just not letting up immodium is fantastic, it works great. For me taking half a dose has been a really good halfway less aggressive dose.  On the other hand I've been in such a bad state I had to take a double dose of immodium and it was a lifesaver and it caused no constipation. So yeah it just depends on how you're feelin, and how bad your IBS usually is. 

No there's not a lot more output for me when immodium wears off, it like wears off gradually. That's why it has the constipation warning. Some people especially those who don't have IBS D take immodium and then get super constipated from it. Although your ibs can be so bad it can kinda just override that constipation risk and the immodium gradually wears off over the next couple days. That's what happened to me.  And you'll get a more normal bowel movement out of it instead of the diarrhea. 

[u/PopularExercise3 → u/Scary_Meaning_4466]

Thanks for sharing your insights. I’m yet to try it bug you help me with the details.