Managing Constipation with an Ostomy and Cerebral Palsy: Tips and Advice

Hi all, newbie here. I've had my ostomy since June of 2023. Lately, I've been dealing with constipation. What do y'all do/eat to get rid of constipation? I also have cerebral palsy.

Welcome, Jen. You are in the right place. Not only for ostomy advice but also some members, if I recall correctly, also have CP or something related. Forgive my ignorance of that subject.

Sit tight. Help is on the way.

Coca-Cola or grape juice, but beware of gas ballooning with the Coke.

Hi Jen, what type of ostomy do you have? Reason for ostomy?

Generally, constipation is treated by following the basics of good intestinal health:

• A high fiber diet

• Twenty-five to thirty-five grams of fiber is the recommended daily amount of dietary fiber. A diet rich in whole grain breads, cereals, and fiber bars, in addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, often will improve bowel habits by adding bulk to the stool.

• Proper daily fluid intake • Drinking six to eight glasses of water per day helps relieve constipation by preventing stool from being hard, which makes it easier to pass stool through the colon.

• Regular physical activity and exercise • Lastly, regular exercise, which can be as simple as taking a brisk walk for 30 minutes per day, will likely improve bowel movements.

There are many different over-the-counter laxatives available.

• The way in which laxatives work varies by laxative type, but they can be very effective for fast relief of constipation.

• Although it may be necessary to take laxatives on a regular basis, you should only do so after consultation with your medical provider.

If you are more inclined to really understand constipation:

https://fascrs.org/patients/diseases-and-conditions/a-z/constipation-expanded-version

It would help a lot to know which type of ostomy you have. What is good for a colostomy may not be good for an ileostomy and vice versa. For instance, many ileostomates have to be careful with diets high in insoluble fiber.

Try coffee, prune juice, grape juice, or even pickle juice for fast results.

I have a colostomy, and I had a bowel obstruction (it was an emergency surgery).

Had a blockage yesterday due to Tylenol 3. Drank 2 pots of black tea and immediately the blockage was resolved. My next plan was going to be a bottle of fizzy wine. Wine for breakfast is not my first choice, but it works when nothing else does.

Tea is good for a blockage. So is apple juice. It was that and a 3-mile walk that resolved my one and only blockage. Unfortunately, it was on Mother's Day. Had to postpone the filet mignons I was going to grill. :-(

Daniel