Ileostomy

[paula]

Hello everyone, just a quick question this time. As some of you know, I've had an ileostomy for almost 8 months now. Its usually mostly all liquid, however, it seems to be starting to get more solid, is this the way it goes? Still doing same diet.

Thank you, as always for taking the time to reply.

paula

[Mysticobra]

I have both solid and liquid.
What you describe seems to have happened to me over time. I've had mine four years come November of this year.
I think sometimes it's due to how well you chew you food not just the type of food we eat.
I have a forgiving stoma. I think I do.
Sometimes I get what I now call stoma turds.
Big enough formed peices that I'm surprised came through and didn't block me up.
I'm sure they just would fall apart and not be like from a normal colon.
But then again I have days of pure liquid.
Sometimes I'll be emptying and as I'm cleaning it will fill as I'm cleaning up and have to empty it again immediately. That fast.
I'd think I personally prefer it partially as a solid as not to be emptying as frequently.
Richard.

[paula]

Hi Richard, yes, what you're saying is a lot like what's happening to me. The chewing part seems to make sense, even though, I try to chew well. Yes, I agree, I think a little solid output would be good, so we wouldn't have to empty so much. As I said, I'm only 8 months into this, so I'm emptying about every 3 hours. Hopefully, it'll get to be less.

Thank you so much for your insight.

paula

[xctm1]

Paula, I'm 15 yrs into living with an Ileo and like you said, it is related to diet, eating and drinking habits and even exercise. If it hasn't happened yet, wait until you have everything off and you're cleaning up and it decides to SPIT. I don't remember what I ate to deserve that but it was certainly exciting. I guess I'm lucky as a guy, every time I stand before the porcelain god, I evaluate and empty as necessary. Take care and keep your spirits up. Larry

[susan f]

As time goes by, your small intestine gets better at absorbing liquid. Diet certainly has an impact, soluble fiber helps absorb water and makes it less runny, for example.

I had my colectomy in 1987, and my output ranges from liquid to toothpaste consistency, depending on what I eat. Over time I've figured out what helps my gut slow down and/or absorb more water, but everyone is different.

[paula]

Hello, Susan, yes, thank you. I've been noticing the changes depending on what I eat. I don't deviate too much, still figuring it out, with my colostomy, I was able to eat mostly everything. With the ileostomy, I'm still learning.

Larry, thank you as well . Yes, I've been doing a lot of walking and exercises for scar tissue, which was what landed me in the hospital several times. Also a lot of drinking water. It seems to be working. And yes, I've had the "pleasure" of having everything cleaned up and having to start all over again.

Again, thank you both for your insights.

paula

[retired tracye]

Will I ever get off of the daily IV's? I've been at this four years, don't get me wrong...I'm blessed just to be alive, but I give myself daily IV fluid and Magnesium by IV... this is such a struggle.. the amount that I need differs almost daily, some days I'm dehydrated and run two liters, end up in the hospital for addition testing and fluids...
OK... I'll need to get into way more detail than this... I've been somehow managing this for four years, but I'm so frustrated with the whole situation.
I'm just venting...

[paula]

Tracye, hope your struggles get better. I know about IV's, even though I've never done them myself, but had enough of those at the hospital. Take care...................paula