Longing for Norman

[hoosier1]

Hi Ant an Gloria,

Antiseptic properties of Pepto huh? Does that mean we are dealing with a bacteria or infection?

Gloria, I don't think Pepto agrees with me either. So out that goes. But immodium at low doses, I think, slows me down enough to allow my bowels to absorb more. I am thinking 1/2 dose in the morning and 1/2 dose before bedtime may be a good symptom reliever. Lomotil is more aggressive I have found and literally shuts everything down for around a day.

Will let you know how it goes.

Rich

[Zizzle]

Pepto is an antiinflammatory. I wasn't aware of it's antiseptic properties until now. Here's the method of action (from Wikipedia):

Bismuth subsalicylate (the active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol and (modern) Kaopectate) is used as an antidiarrheal and to treat some other gastro-intestinal diseases (oligodynamic effect).
The means by which this appears to work is still not well-documented. It is thought to be some combination of:
-Retarding the expulsion of fluids into the digestive system by irritated tissues, by "coating" them.
-Reducing inflammation/irritation of stomach and intestinal lining
-Killing some bacteria that cause diarrhea

I experiened significant bloating while trying a Pepto regimen, but I was taking the chewables. I've since bought the caplets (presumably with more active ingredient and less calcium and other fillers, and I think I tolerate it better. I haven't taken it in a while becasue my frequency has improved, but I may take 2-3/day to see if I can firm things up once and for all.

[hoosier1]

So are the caplets preferred to the chewables? I have been using the chewables...

[Kari]

Rich - I was told by my GI to take the pills, not the chewables or the liquid, and I remember him making quite a big fuss about it, even though I don't remember his reasoning (it's 3-4 years ago).

Zizzle - since pepto helps me with flares, I've considered staying on a low dose on a regular basis (i.e. 1-2 tablets a day), but then I argue myself out of it, thinking that they'll stop working for me :)

Kari

[Ginny]

I'm going to throw in my two sense FWIW. I started taking 1/2 Imodium in the morning (the old version) about 6 weeks ago, restrained foods that release histamines, avoided all of my intolerances, cut out fiber and am taking a Zyrtec (gel; no lactic, no corn) at night. I have improved! I am now down to 1 Entocort every 2 days and will be making the jump to none this weekend. I had always hoped one day I could stop the steroid. However, that is not to say if I need Entocort again; I will take it. It has been my life saver.

Maybe the 1/2 Imodium has given me peace of mind because he seems to have slowed down the motility; therefore, I've also relaxed my body and my gut brain! Whatever the reason, I am grateful!

I am hoping that I have turned the corner. We all have to find our own way through this dreaded disease but I could not have done it without the PP!
Ginny

[tex]

Ginny,

Congratulations! Good job!

Tex

[JoAnn]

Hi Ginny, I've been too busy to read and post for several days due to a family wedding and reunion this week, but I just checked in and am so happy to see your good news! I have often resorted to immodium and pepto when things seemed off or just as an "insurance policy" to get me through things. I haven't needed them that much lately and am now almost 4 months off entocort. I have had success making coconut yogurt and will post that when I have some more time. Well, I've got to run but just wanted to say YaHoo! to you and am praying and pulling for your continued success. Love JoAnn

[Gloria]

Wow, Ginny - that's terrific news! Keep us posted on your progress.

Gloria

[Ginny]

You are all so kind and caring. Again, if it wasn't for everyone's input, knowledge and support, I don't think I would be where I am today. I will keep you posted. The real test will be in the next couple of weeks. I even ate a shrimp pasta the other night and had no ill affects; fish for the first time in months. I really don't want to brave too much change in diet yet and I am so use to my plain diet, it is okay with me.

JoAnn, I hope you post that recipe. I started using crushed coconut in my cream of rice with some nuts.........YUM YUM! That is as extravagant as I have gotten. My problem is I will have to buy coconut milk on line since all the stores around here only carry the one with guar gum.

Love to all of you! Ginny

[hoosier1]

Ginny,

THe 1/2 imodium in the AM and, for me, sometimes 1/2 in the evening, along with my Entocort, may be helping me too. I, like you, also think it is important to slow my system down a spell. Because frankly if I don't, it could be messy in the the field (no pun intended).

I see using imodium, in such doses, as a very benign crutch to help me feel just a little more comfortable. For the pain I usually have in the morning, 1/2 a valium is a nice escape for me. It acts as a muscle relaxant.

Good for you!

Rich

[starfire]

I have had success making coconut yogurt and will post that when I have some more time.

I'm interested in that recipe too. Sounds yummy.

Love, Shirley

[Ginny]

Rich, I am a great believer in the mind body connection and that's why I went to the 1/2 Imodium because I believed that it would work. Totally agree that 1/2 of a little pill, ain't going to hurt me (or a whole one or one and half)! Keep up the good work and just remember it takes time, but you are on the right path. Ginny

[ant]

Dear Ginny

I am now down to 1 Entocort every 2 days and will be making the jump to none this weekend.

Hope all is going well so far.

Best, Ant

[Gloria]

Hope all is going well so far.

Me, too.

Gloria

[Ginny]

I'm doing good and have even missed a day in the bathroom ! That was such a treat!! So I am cutting back on the 1/2 Imodium to every other day. I'll keep you posted after a couple of weeks on this regiment. Ginny

PS It is amazing how much energy you have when you feel good...............just painted a very large bathroom this weekend! I thank God everyday!