Imodium is My Oasis in the Desert

By Sawyer Matheny

2 min read

As a fixer, I’m always looking to solve a problem. For the most part, I’d like to say that it’s pretty helpful! I’ve been able to improve during plays and acting work (It’s very handy.) I’ve been able to help out my folks in a pinch when the gutters overflow during a torrential downpour. Or reassure my girlfriend that her bosses think she really is the best employee they have (they’ve said so). I’m always looking to help out and solve problems.

Same goes for my IBS.

Antidiarrheals

I’m always looking to dish out Imodium like some sort of dealer. Asking folks about their tummy issues is something that happens all too naturally for me nowadays. However, in being a fixer, sometimes I’m so busy trying to help others that I may forget to look inwards.

I take Imodium wherever I go. For the most part.

I’m usually always prepared to load up on those good, good poop-stopping power pills. Whenever I go on a date or have a late-night video game session with my friends. I never want my gut to take over my plans.

Sometimes I forget to carry it with me

But sometimes… I think it’ll be okay.

I think I’ll be fine whenever I travel to stores or visit my girlfriend. I mean, most of my drives aren’t more than, like, twenty minutes. Plus, I’m not even eating in the meantime! There’s no way a flare-up could happen literally 15 minutes after I leave the house to go see my girlfriend in her musical theater concert. right?

Right?

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Cramps that come on suddenly

Those cramps came on like a thunderstorm. The rumbling and cramps came from what seemed like miles within me. I couldn’t believe how bad this clammy feeling got. My mom’s voice over my phone, as she asked about my evening, was drowned out by the rhythmic breathing of my IBS flare-up.

I’m sorry, Mom, I’ve gotta focus on trying to find a parking spot!

I say a full ten minutes before I arrive lmao.

Every red light was a timer, ticking down to brown town. I finally found a parking lot after being stuck behind an ocean of cars going to an outdoor concert across the street (because, of course). I fast-walked to the theater, only to realize that I had dropped my ticket out of my stupid jeans' pocket! So, I HOBBLED back and retrieved my golden ticket to my porcelain throne.

Embarrassing explainations

Nothing says awesome boyfriend energy like saying to her parents:

“Nice to see you! I am gonna go to the big boys’ potty right quick.”

There’s something like a toilet rush that makes a commode so beautiful. Like an oasis in the desert; Oh, you sexy theater toilet. You’re the real star of the show!

Looks like I can’t leave the house without popping an Imodium. Honestly, the risk just isn’t worth it. I’d rather fix my tummy and lock it down than ruin an awesome show with my terrible tummy. Better to be safe than sorry! My literal mantra.

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Njf0618 Member
Imodium is my "go to" med for making sure I won't have problems right then and there or shortly after taking it however the price is later if I take to much and constipate myself. I do agree that if it is a time I just can't have a problem then I always use it to be sure
Msgerry Member
Hi there. I understand you completely. I started having my symptoms of what I now know was IBS-D in about my 30s, mostly after eating at places like Dennys or Cici's Pizza. It went on to include any time I had dairy and often wheat (great, no more bagels with cream cheese, cereal with milk...). Nowadays in my 60s there are many more options like lactose free milk. I don't like gluten-free bread. I made the mistake of overtaking the Imodium dosage for the massive bouts of diarrhea that just my job stress and anxiety often brought on, and wound up hospitalized with circulation issues in my leg. Now I take hyoscyanime sulfate XR 0.375 2 x daily and have a sublingual version that can be used for those "wardrobe malfunction" episodes we get now and then. I also keep Zofran on hand because as many of us know, when an episode strikes hard, you often vomit too. 🤢 All in all, I think Kermit said it best. It ain't easy being green. 🐸 
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Msgerry" user-id="4170851"/> Oh wow, I'm so sorry that you had to be hospitalized after taking too much Imodium and that your flares are so bad that they make you vomit. That must be so hard to deal with. 🙁 Does the hyoscyamine sulfate work well for you? Do you take it only during flares or every day? Hugs, Karina (team member)
Msgerry Member
 @ Karina, thanks. Yes. I've learned a lot about my IBS-D over the years, more by trial and error than anything. Yes, the hyoscyamine sulfate has helped immensely. I also take an antigas medicine when I take it. It's not perfect, but it sure beats having diarrhea every darn day! And staying away from dairy, greasy goods, and an overabundance of bread helps too. Doing that AND changing my antidepressants also helped me lose 100 lbs as well. Now I have to focus on my new onset AFIB RVR and CHF. If it ain't one thing, it's something else. 🤷‍♀️
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Msgerry" user-id="4170851"/> I'm glad to hear that your IBS is doing better with the new medication and diet! I hope you'll get some relief from your new health challenges soon as well. Wishing you all the best & sending positive thoughts, Karina (team member)