Ostomy and Alcohol - Any Advice or Experiences?

Hi guys, need a bit of advice of sorts.

I have never been much of a drinker at all, but always enjoyed the odd bit with my partner and on nights out.

So last night I went to stay with some family and my cousin took me out and I had a few. I cannot describe how good it was to just let go and try and relax a bit without worrying about everything! My partner and cousin didn't have many and they looked after me fine.

I had a slight headache when we got in and I was very tired but apart from that I've felt fine today! Only worry was that if I had too much, would I be able to empty my bag etc.??

Was wondering if anyone has advice on the subject? Or I'd just like to know your stories how you've coped with it.

Sophie x

I've had my ileostomy for some time. I've always been able to cope very well with the bag when I've been out and had a drink. The only thing I avoid is anything with too much fizzy stuff. Also, if I drink too much red wine, then it makes the output much more fluid. Lol, I tend to stay off that one because it's heavy on the head, i.e., headaches. It's trial and error. Good luck, sounds like you're doing okay so far. TC, ambies.

I have never had a problem after a drink or two. My only concern would be to watch out for dehydration. A glass of ice water goes well with a Manhattan or Merlot. PB

I don't think I can add anything that ambies hasn't already mentioned; the same goes for me. I love red wine (cures all ills, I reckon), but it seems to be the one thing that does fill the bag a lot quicker. I have always felt that life is too short to worry about output! As long as there is a nearby loo, you're right, and pace yourself; there's really no need to be paralytic just to see what happens (and a feed or snack during the proceedings is a good idea!). I have tied one on on several occasions since my ileo 4 years ago and no dramas thus far. I have drunk just about everything alcoholic, from Guinness to Goldschlager to my fave Bourbondry, as long as I down a water or two in the mix, I don't even suffer from the dreaded hangover. One thing I have noticed in comparison to before the op, it seems to take a lot longer to get the warm fuzzies, and I seem to be able to outlast all my bowel-intact mates and drink everyone under the table, lol! Cheers!

So the only problem I've had was dehydration, and it actually was kind of nice because I wouldn't have had the coordination to empty my bag. The trick is to drink a lot, so much so that you throw up in your friend's car and have no recollection of it the next day. (don't judge me haha) I don't have any output until I start drinking water the next day, which is nice because I get to sleep as long as I need. I know it's not very smart, but it kinda works.

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Hi, thanks for all the replies. I didn't seem to have any problem with dehydration at all; my bag kept doing its business all evening! Ha ha. I did notice that because I was on the Cherry Sourz, it started to go a bit reddish-brown. It seems like wine makes it produce more, but I don't like wine, so that's not a problem for me! Lemon, I love your honesty! Ha ha x

Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow, who knows.

Ha hs Garfish u like that. I have to say that it was the most fun I've had for a good few months!

Hi all, the only thing I really noticed was that the smell of my output was way worse than the normal smell it puts out, and it lasted a couple of weeks. So yes, I don't really drink anymore because since my little friend is on the right side in the middle of my tummy, I can smell myself faster. It's like farting in overalls, and you are the first to get the whiff of outhouse fragrance.

Hi Sophie, when I have a few cold ones, I usually get a bag of pretzels, and that seems to slow the output down; otherwise, the alcohol goes right through me. Ron in Mich.

I didn't notice any different smell at all, only more output, but I think that's more because of the volume of liquid, not the fact it was alcohol.

I have too many problems with alcohol as it is at the moment, but I agree with Ambies on this subject. I don't have a problem drinking it, but mixing pain meds and such is a bad idea. Too much pain and trying to live this normal life does have its ups and downs. You will and should be fine. I use an ileo gel as my waste is so much water in pouch xxx.

hi mooza, im not on any pain meds atm so dont need to worry about that and yea i get lots of watery output, have been thinking about looking into some sort of gel to help thicken it up x