Trouble with Regular BMs After Ostomy Surgery

Into the 3rd year of having an ostomy and after the 3rd operation, I am having trouble with regular BMs without taking softeners, etc.

I used to go regularly, but now things are worse even on the same diet. Does anyone else have trouble eating salads? What is recommended for those of us who have a more difficult time? I am a vegetarian 90%. I peel everything, including bell peppers, and everything is cooked, nothing raw. Just hoping maybe someone has some ideas or advice to help. I now seem to especially have trouble with salads.

Thanks 😊

I would suggest getting a CT scan and a colonoscopy. Do you have a colostomy?

Probably the easiest thing you can do is increase your fluid intake. If you don't already, drink lots of water and other liquids which will loosen your output. Also good to avoid things that will thicken things up, like peanut butter, really starchy foods, bananas, marshmallows. Increasing physical activity can help too.

Terry

Hello Kakoot.
Thank you for your post as it mirrors my own experience.

With being a vegetarian, it would be difficult (for me) to do without salads, so I wouldn't even contemplate it. I eat almost anything I want to and yes, I have the same trouble with BM's.
Dulcoease works best for me but about 6 months ago I decided to stop using it. Since then, I have had some irregularity with BM's but nothing I cannot cope with.
Upon reflection, I have always had these problems (long before I had the stoma) so, I feel it's just a consequence of my metabolism. It is also probably part of the reason I needed to have a stoma in the first place. 
I irrigate, which does mitigate some of the difficulties, but what now happens is that the output from irrigating is less predictable than it was before I stopped using Dulcoease. This I can cope with, so for now my routine will remain the same and I will simply try to adjust to what people on here call 'the new normal'. 
That is: whatever life throws at us!
I do hope that others will have more practical advice than me and that you can find solutions to your problems.
 
Best wishes

Bill

Hi, I've had trouble having BMs. I started drinking prune juice about 3 times a week, and it looks like it's working. About 4 ounces whenever you want to have it. I was taking softeners and have stopped. Hope this helps. Sarah

Staying Hydrated with an Ostomy with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister