1 month post op, output question

[Kingslayermd]

Hi. New to the forum but thank you for the great resource for after my surgery. Lots of helpful information.

I was diagnosed with a malignant mass about 16 cm that was causing a lot of issues with my bm’s. I had Ostomy surgery in November and I’m doing pretty good adjusting.

3 biopsy’s and thankfully no cancer diagnose.

But I’m in the club now. Look forward to all advice and information this forum can provide. It’s been an adjustment but I trust god is getting me through. With the help of family friends and forums like this one.

My quick question is regarding output. My stool seems to come out as firm pellets. Is this normal? I have a colostomy. The lower part of my large intestine was removed.

Thanks in advance.

[steiconi]

For me, pellets usually mean I'm not drinking enough water.

[Diane C]

I used to have a colostomy and had to switch to an ileostomy. Can you increase the amount of fruits and veggies without adding gas? And definitely more hydration. I'm unsure if you can irrigate or "wash out your colon." There's a special forum about irrigation that you might want to read.

Good luck!

[Lerbus]

I concur with others, increase your fluid intake. My doctors are telling me to take in a minimum of 72 and preferably 100+ounces daily. That is a lot to drink every day. I realize I have an ileostomy and that requires more but others with colostomy’s I’ve worked with have been told at least 60-72 oz. If the fluid contains caffeine it doesn’t count toward the total. This forum has been very helpful for me so don’t hesitate to ask any question you may have. Good luck

Ileostomy 2011, revisions 2012, 2013, 2015. Hernias 2014, 2016, 2017 severe ileus 2018, 2019

[SCGleeson]

This isn't so much of a reply but a question. I am writing on behalf of my husband. He is 3 months into an ileostomy. We were going for a reversal but because of chemotherapy that can't happen right now.
We have not been able to get his output under control using max dose of Lomotil, supplemented by Imodium and fiber. We have tried all the diet recommendations. Still his output is too high. Does anyone have a magic solution? Thank you

[nickolas]

I drink LOTS of water on a daily bases. But I live in Phoenix Arizona. When I have a BM, I start out with firm pellets and end with liquid diarrhea, but I had radiation and that totally changed my system. This is probably one of the biggest reason I am a happy camper I have the colostomy bag today. Radiation destroyed 2/3 of my rectal muscles, thus I was tied to the toilet anytime I ate. That colostomy bag gave me back my independence.

Did you get radiation or chemo?

Nickolas.