High Stoma Output After Surgery - Seeking Advice and Support

Hi all.

I really need support, and this is the reason why I joined the community.

I had surgery in the summer of this year (creation of the J pouch and removal of the rectum), but it became a bit complicated, and they had to remove my gallbladder as well. My new stoma produces a lot of output. My old one produced 1 L max; the new one produces 2.5 L or more. I have tried different things, but only Imodium helps. However, I get skin problems with Imodium, and my doctor told me to try codeine instead, but it does not work for me. I tried salt in water and fiber in water, but it just thickens my stool. The output is still high. This is really a huge problem for me and reminds me of the time with UC when I was looking for a toilet all the time. Please, do you know if anything else can help? Thanks a million. I appreciate all inputs.

A couple of foods to try that will slow down/reduce output that I have found are pumpkin, butternut squash, and marshmallows.

Lee

An ileostomy is high output due to its nature. Personally, I empty my bag 7 to 8 times a day on average. I've never measured it in liters, but 2 to 2.5 sounds about right. You can slow your output with the things Lee mentions. Potatoes will thicken things, as well. The problem is that an ileostomy bypasses the colon and things can come fast and furious. It is the unfortunate nature of an ileostomy. Your bio says yours is temporary. Does that mean you still have your colon and can possibly move to a colostomy? With a colostomy, you can look forward to a lot fewer trips to the loo.

Daniel

Your ileostomy is now much higher in your small bowel, and the output will be more liquid and caustic. Be careful with milk products and extremely fibrous foods, both of which can make things worse, especially if you have lactose problems. Make sure you are keeping hydrated. Sports drinks are best because they contain electrolytes rather than pure water. You should keep in close contact with your physician(s) for management. Sometimes Metamucil will bulk up things when taken sparingly. Also, cholestyramine might be tried, but you will need a prescription from your doctor for that, assuming he/she agrees. Sometimes people can get diarrhea following cholecystectomy too, which can be managed with cholestyramine. Good luck.

Thank you all for your answers. Very appreciated. Things work well now and my stoma is back to normal with normal output. I'm so relieved and very happy again, even my weight is almost back to normal. Even though I have a pouch inside of me now, I'm not ready for my last surgery, where my stoma is removed. I need some time before I have another surgery again.

Living with Your Ostomy | Hollister