Help! Broccoli stem stuck after surgery

Hi everyone, I hope there is someone who can help me out of a little "jam" that I got myself into. I made the mistake of eating some broccoli that I cooked really well, but it appears there was a fibrous stem that I missed and did not chew really well. I was able to remove some of it when I took a shower, but it appears that more has gotten stuck. I cannot clear it at this point. It is not hurting really bad right now, and part of it has worked its way out, but I am pretty scared it is stuck. I have been doing really well since my second surgery to repair the first one that had strictured. The doctor had made the hole a little larger than last time. Do you have any suggestions short of going to the ER that I could use to clear it on my own? It is not hurting right now, and it wants to clear itself as I can feel it trying to do so. Please email me with your suggestions. I have heat on it right now, and I am drinking hot tea. I thank you all in advance!! Pamela

The only thing I can think of is drinking or eating something that gives you a really big bowel movement, diarrhea that may push the stem out.

But you must be really careful not to injure yourself.

Here's my go-to info source:

https://www.ostomy.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/IleostomyBlockage_2018.pdf

I've heard doctors sometimes use q-tips if the blockage is near the stoma. Naturally, none of us would be able to recommend sticking anything inside of your stoma.

Try Restorolax or Lax-a Day - purchased in a pharmacy - much less expensive at Walmart. It is not harmful whatsoever; many people with ostomies use it regularly. I have been taking a bit everyday since 2007 and I'm still here. I ran out when I was in Costa Rica in January so I purchased their brand - Happy Lax. I just had to save the bottle. Stay safe:)

Hi Free,

I don't think you need to do anything. By that, I mean the stem is biodegradable......and your bile will eventually break it down. As long as it's not causing a blockage, I might chug a little flaxseed oil or mineral oil......something slippery. But other than that, I'd probably not worry. Now if I got bloated and nothing was able to come out, then I'd stick my pinkie in my stoma and feel around......but I don't recommend you do that without consulting your doc.

Regards,

Bob

Living with Your Ostomy | Hollister

Thanks, it is actually passing better now after I had some tea and Gatorade.

It has finally passed. Thanks!

Thank you, it is better now.

Hello Pamela.

It seems I'm a bit late to reply in a way that would be of any practical use to you. However, I thought I would reply anyway and let you know that I am pleased that your problem has been resolved.

Best wishes

Bill

Hi Freedancer,

Sorry to hear of your issue. I would try and drink as much hot tea or coffee, as that really helped me awhile back with a blockage problem. Also, massage around the stoma to try and release the block. Good luck. Penguins7