What can I do? I don't want to go to the doctor
Cagrl
Apr 19, 2021 11:13 pm
Why Join MeetAnOstoMate?
First off, this is a pretty cool site with 39,627 members.
But, it's not all about ostomy. We talk about everything.
Many come here for advice, others find lasting friendships, and some have even found love.
"This group has been my go-to during my loneliest hours ...", one member said. And it's true, people here are honest and genuinely care.
🛑 Privacy is very important - there are many features only visible to members.
39,627 members
Lily17
Apr 20, 2021 12:34 am
If you're able, and you are certain that you have a blockage and not another medical issue:
Take an analgesic to help with pain, which will help relax the abdominal muscles.
Slowly drink a Coca-Cola. The acid in this soda can slowly break down the blockage.
(Keep in mind that, depending on how solid/immovable the blockage is, anything you ingest may not work its way through and you may end up throwing it all back up. Use caution!)
Place a warm heating pad or filled hot water bottle on your abdomen, but not too hot, you don't want to burn your skin or stoma. Place a towel between you and the pad/water bottle.
Walk around a bit as gravity may help with moving the blockage through your system.
Gently massage your abdomen to assist with moving the blockage. (I agree with CPlumber: when lying down, shift from side-to-back-to-side.)
Call 911 or have yourself driven to the emergency room if you get the feeling "in your gut" that you need medical assistance and/or you are throwing up what is in your stomach, even if it is only stomach acid, bile, etc.
Lily17
Advertisement
Collin shares his top 3 tips on how to stay hydrated while living with an ostomy.
For more tips and resources, check out our Ostomy Learning Center.
For more tips and resources, check out our Ostomy Learning Center.
Cplumber
Apr 20, 2021 12:54 pm
I have been doing the blocking thing for 25 years. And you taught me something new. Thanks.
Lily17
Apr 20, 2021 4:04 pm
Good morning, Cplumber!
I'm happy to help - but can't take all the credit: an ostomy gal pal of mine (and a long-time member of the Reno Ostomy Association), Sue, imparted her wisdom to me prior to my surgeries. She had her ileostomy surgery in 2008, the same year I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. She's an amazing person, full of love and support, and is also very active in our community.
I do hope that Cagrl's situation has resolved successfully. Maybe Cagrl will update us on her condition?
Make it an amazing day, C! :)
Lily17
Staying Hydrated with an Ostomy with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister
HenryM
Apr 20, 2021 7:24 pm
There is an ostomy guy that has produced a series of videos on all things ostomy related. There is one titled Dealing with Ostomy Blockages: Ostomy Tips. It's at:
Lily17
Apr 22, 2021 9:30 pm
Wonderful news, Cagrl! :)
If you can think back on what you may have eaten - and how - just prior to the blockage, you may be able to prevent it from happening again. There are quite a few posts on this site about diet, how to gain/lose weight, how to prevent/move a GI blockage. Check them out when you have time.
Glad you're feeling better! :)
And THIS is just one reason why we're here, people
Lily17