No Output in Stoma, Should I Be Worried?

I am new on here. I really need to get some information from some of you that may have had this problem. I had colon surgery in Aug. I now wear a bag. For the first time since my surgery, I haven't had any output all day in my bag. I have heard people talk about blockage. If this is happening to me because of no output, would I have pain? I had a colostomy. I don't have any pain and I still pass gas through my stoma, but no output. Can you go all day without having any? Just don't know what to think. I am getting worried something is wrong. Do you think I need to go see my doctor??
Thanks, Marilyn

Hi Jonsey,

You've come to the right place for support and advice. Our community is full of people who understand what you're going through and are here to help.

Regarding your concern, it's not uncommon to experience a day without output, especially if you're still passing gas and not feeling any pain. Blockages often come with discomfort or pain, so it's a good sign that you're not experiencing that. However, if you're worried or if this continues, it's always best to check in with your doctor to be safe. They can provide peace of mind and ensure everything is functioning as it should.

It's great that you're part of this community. You'll find lots of support, information, and some really cool people who can share their experiences and advice. Don't hesitate to reach out whenever you need to.

Hello and welcome to the site. I wouldn't be too concerned over 1 day without output. Are you eating normally and getting plenty of fluids? I have had a colostomy since 2000 and have only had 1 blockage in that length of time. Ileo's are more prone to blockages in my opinion. Drink plenty of fluids and give it a day. If you have any pain, consult your doctor.

Passing gas, no pain, I think you're okay. If you had a blockage, you would know about it!

Yes, as Lobster has stated, if you have a blockage you would sure know about it. The pain can be quite excruciating and vomiting often accompanies it. You're probably just constipated.

X_

Hello Jonsey, As with the other replies, I don't think you need to worry too much about one or two days without output. Much depends upon what you eat and how much .  I had a simlar problem when I first had my colostomy and I went to see the ostomy nurse ( much better than general practitioners who tend to know practically nothing about problems with ostomies). She actually poked around the ostomy with her finger and reassured me that there was nothing to worry about. It was after that I started to irrigate and that gave me much more control on output.  

Best wishes  Bill

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I've gone 5 days with no output. Very worried. No pain.

Hi Cassandra. About a month after my colostomy, I had no output for a couple of days. Off to the ER. They did a CT scan in case there was a twist in the bowel. All was OK. They were going to send me home, but I asked them to talk to the doctors on the ostomy surgical floor. The doctor there said to take Restorolax several times a day. I did, and in a couple of days, the pouch filled like it never had before! It turned out that I was on Flomax or the like to slow down my bladder. A side effect is constipation. I stopped it and had no more problems. Except, of course, I have to pee a lot!

But seriously, no output for a day or so isn't a big deal. If worried, try a dose of Restorolax or the like once a day. It helps to keep you regular.