Blockage or Constipation? Seeking Advice Post-Colostomy

I have a colostomy and am 12 weeks post-op. I can't tell if I have a blockage or if it's constipation. I have never experienced constipation pre-surgery, so I don't know how it feels. My output just started getting watery, and I have gas passing through, but before that, the output was thin like a ribbon; now it's like pebbles. I had pain in the morning and walked it off. Now, no cramping, no pain, and my stoma pops out a little more than normal. I can hear my intestines making noises. I'm hungry but scared to eat for fear it might end up being a blockage. Anyone have a similar experience? What was the outcome, or how did you resolve it?

Hello,

I have a colostomy, 10 months post-op. My stoma is like yours... Sometimes it makes a gurgling noise but nothing comes out. My output varies from liquid to thick paste. It depends on what you eat. Sometimes when the output is thick, I feel slight pressure and dull pain for a minute or so as it comes out. I also get gas with vegetables like tomatoes and onions contained in a hamburger. Sometimes I get no output for 2 days, then it starts coming out and I have to empty my bag twice in one hour.

Some ostomates keep a food log so they know what to expect when eating a particular food. I don't do that.

I was worried about blockage for about 3 months post-op. But now I don't after living with the colostomy for 10 months and getting used to its operation.

If you get continued pain with no output, see a doctor or stoma nurse right away. If you get no output for more than 2 days, see a doctor or stoma nurse for evaluation.

My stoma changes shape all the time. Sometimes it's huge; other times, small. Stomas are shape-shifting little beasts.

A healthy stoma is pink to dark red and should be slightly shiny. If yours changes color suddenly to dull grey, go to a doctor immediately.

It's okay to shower with the wafer and bag off. Use a soap like Cetaphil. It's okay to soap up the stoma gently.

Take care

I get those "pebbles" too. Drink more fluids. You will know a blockage; it's very painful, like very, very painful. You may get a little pain, like a stomach ache, right before you get output or lots of gas. A blockage, I've only had partial ones, will make it very painful to bend or move your abdominal area.

Whether it is irritable bowel syndrome or obstruction is a decision for your doctor.

You will know if you get a blockage. The pain is unbearable. I've had 8 in the last 6 months and was hospitalized every time.

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Wow Ice, that's rough. Have doctors figured out why it's happening so much?