Struggling with Loose Output Despite Imodium

Hey all, I am at my wit's end with Imodium and loose output. I've tried all manner of foods 30/40 minutes after taking two Imodium. Still loose. The only thing that works is porridge and banana, but I can't live on that forever. Any suggestions, please? 🙏

Have you tried mashed potatoes? Breads or dinner rolls?

Peanut or almond butter. Applesauce. Both work way too well for me. Also...no coffee.

Hi Fox,

Whether you can thicken up your output or not depends on more than what you eat. The first thing to consider is how much, if any, small bowel you are missing. If it's substantial, it will be very hard to thicken output all the time... or even sometimes. What, when, and how much you drink will also impact the consistency of your output as well, and has been discussed on here ad nauseam. The best thing to do is keep a log of what you eat and drink, including the time and amount... and note your output. Once you've got a few months of data, you can see what works, what doesn't, etc., and tailor your eating and drinking habits accordingly. Don't try to rely on memory alone.

;O)

Hey Foxglove.

A couple of items I noticed: Chili stayed light on kidney beans, but it worked well. Also, mango smoothies: 1 cup of mangoes with approximately 1/2 cup of yogurt, 1 banana, and add milk to the desired thickness.

My Ostomy Journey: LeeAnne | Hollister

I have seen a lot of people say they have the same problem with coffee; it doesn't affect me like that.

Hello F

Get a small bag of psyllium husk powder. You can mix a spoonful in a glass of water and quickly drink it before food, or you can sprinkle it over your food. It's the same as Metamucil but without the sugar, etc. There is plenty of information on the internet about it, and it is cheap and easy; experiment with it. I have used it, and it worked for me when I wanted something like this. Is the loose output really a problem for you?

None of those work. ☹️ Rice doesn’t work either. 

I'll second axl's question, is the loose stool really a problem for you? Or better yet, why is it a problem? 

Since you seem to be having such trouble thickening it, there may be a solution that will make it more live-able. 

G-Day Foxglove, Personally, I prefer my output to be runny. It's easier to empty and not as messy. Regards, IGGIE

That is so true. LOL

I am on 14mg loperamide and 45mg codeine, both 4 times a day, to thicken my output, and it has regulated. I was hospitalized due to dehydration and then again due to malnutrition, so a massive upscale on meds was necessary. Have you tried jelly? Not made-up jelly, but packs, and then eat the cubes. The gelatine really helps.