Ileostomy Care: Managing Increased Nighttime Output

I seem to be filling my pouch mostly at night  I have an ileostomy  Is this normal  Is there anything I can do for this  My last meal of the day is usually aroung 5:30 P M

I get most of my gas at night ... I have to get up and empty gas and stool 2 to 3 times. Are you still drinking fluids (as you should) between your dinner and going to bed?



Small meals and snacks during the day?



For me (ileo Dec 09), day output and night output volumes are pretty similar, with night having more gas. I have dinner around 6:30 and snack around 9pm. Always have drinks around. To bed around 11pm.

Generally, it has to do with the combination of foods and amount that you take in. Also, we don't realize it, but 7 hours of time sleeping is a long time, even three hours without emptying. So, what seems like a lot is really not. Also, a larger (longer) pouch would be helpful.

Yes - I reckon most of us have the 'Zeppelin' scenario over night with an ileo..... I must admit, I do not get up to empty at all unless I am awake for other reasons, so by the morning it is really ready to 'pop' (which of course it sometimes does - yuk!) So yes - not to worry, it is normal!

Rach xxx

Keep a record of the food you eat and the amount of time it takes to be expeled. For me cereals, popcorn and other such carbs take 2-3 hours but beef and other meat takes much longer. If you can get an estimate of time thru the chute you can coordinate what to eat and when to eat it. Other than water, I try not to drink anything 3-4 hours before retiring. Everyone is diffrent but hopefully you will be able to get a plan of attack that will help you thru the night.

Living with Your Ostomy | Hollister

I also have an ileostomy and find that it is most active at night! If you haven't had it for very long it does take time to settle, for the first 6 months or so I set an alarm at 4am and then one at 7am so I could check and then if I needed to empty the bag!
I've had my ileostomy coming up to 18 months now and it it still most active at night, however, I empty it just before I get into bed and then usually it lasts until I get up in the morning (around 10am) occasionally (if I've eaten or drank too much) it will wake me up in the night, but it doesn't usually leak, I just wake up in the middle of the dream and look down and its full to bursting so your body does sort of know when you need to empty it!

Hope this helps!