Should I take Imodium?

[Titsywoo]

I have had diarrhea since Sunday. I was also having abdominal cramps for the first few days and a pressure and tenderness in my lower abdomen (this comes and goes). I have stage 4 endometriosis and currently have a large cyst (which has been there over 2 years). I thought maybe this was playing up or maybe I had the start of an infection so went to the GP. She did lots of checks and since my temp is fine and there are no other signs of infection she reckoned it was just gastroenteritis so said to rest and get lots of fluids and a bland diet. Have done that but the diarrhea is still there. It is only 3 or 4 times a day now and smaller amounts (probably because I am eating less!). I'm not dehydrated and feel fine apart from when I get a cramp and need the loo or get this weird pulling feeling which I am guessing is the cyst or one of the many adhesions I have in my pelvis! I'm seeing my endo consultant next week but in the meantime I am going camping tomorrow with the kids and some friends and the toilet issue is a little concerning. I'm sure I can get to the loo in time and as I say it's not often but it's still embarrassing! Obviously if the diarrhea carries on I will go to GP when I get back on Monday but would it hurt to take Imodium in the meantime? Thanks

[Titsywoo]

Bump

[bloodynoris]

If it's a bug if it can't come out it can make you very ill, speaking from experience and was in hospital for 4 days. But if I was in your situation would most probably chance taking it again.

[Badders123]

Hmmmmm
I really wouldn't tbh
If it's a bug it needs to come out
If you are concerned maybe try and get a dr appt tomorrow?

[PollyPerky]

Some bugs can last 3 weeks. I think you ought to avoid Imodium and if it's still not gone in another 2 weeks, see your GP for some stool tests etc in case you need ABs for a bug that won't go.

[gingeroots]

I know it's often said that it's best to let the diarreah run it's course and not to take immodium but ...is this medically approved advice ?

I've just done a quick google and BMJ and NHS seem to think it's ok
bestpractice.bmj.com/best-practice/pdf/patient-summaries/532108.pdf

"If you experience sudden diarrhoea and vomiting, the best thing to do is stay at home until you're feeling better. There's not always a specific treatment, so you have to let the illness run its course.
You don't usually need to get medical advice, unless your symptoms don't improve or there's a risk of a more serious problem (see When to get medical advice).
To help ease your symptoms:
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration–You need to drink more than usual to replace the fluids lost from vomiting and diarrhoea. Water is best, but you could also try fruit juice and soup.
Take paracetamol for any fever or aches and pains.
Get plenty of rest.
If you feel like eating, try small amounts of plain foods, such as soup, rice, pasta and bread.
Use special rehydration drinks made from sachets bought from pharmacies if you have signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth or dark urine – read about treating dehydration.
Take anti-vomiting medication (such as metoclopramide) and/or antidiarrhoeal medication (such as loperamide) if you need to – some types are available from pharmacies, but check the leaflet that comes with the medicine. You can also ask your pharmacist or GP for advice about whether they're suitable"
www.nhs.uk/conditions/gastroenteritis/Pages/Introduction.aspx

[PollyPerky]

It's well known medical advice Ginger. Bugs have to come out, not be 'bunged up'.
If someone has no choice- ie an airflight or something unavoidable, then it's ok to take Imodium to help you get from A to B, but the risk is that the infection won't clear so quickly and the bacteria will just sit in the gut making you feel ill. The D&V are nature's way of getting rid of it.