Hello,
My colostomy was reversed a year and a half ago (that can't be right, my my.) Anyway, I had read to have Imodium handy from the get go and plan on camping out in the bathroom but my family sort of took it away as my original problem was a bowel blockage and it scared them.
I took stool softeners and miralax regularly until I started feeling soiled all the time because my stool was so soft I couldn't control it in between.
Since then I don't use anything regularly and I'm back to my irritable bowel symptoms of not going for days then having a stomach ache and blowing up.
I try not to use Imodium (to extremes) and I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. I also try not to worry how long in between my bums are but after all that's what got me in trouble.
I admit I have been constipated enuf to feel the bodily symptoms so I keep emergency supplies for it. I even have some bowel "prep" to use if I get really bad and enemas too, though I haven't had to go that far.
Its worrisome especially since I've found another hernia. I just don't want to go under the knife again. It's amazing to me how many "voluntary" surgeries I had. I remember the day of each surgery and how I felt waiting. Aargh!!
A perfect bowel would be so great! And I'm at a point in life when all is as comfortable calm as I could wish for. Oh well.....
Charlotte