UOAA Discussion Board

Hello, I have an 'permament" ileostomy with no colon. I still have a rectal stump. For years, I have had a problem with low motility. My original surgery was 15 years ago.

My doctor prescribed lactulose which worked for awhile. I have also had epsom salts, magnesium and more. Right now, I am using magnesium which takes 1 1/2 hours to "work" first dose in the morning (with breakfast). It's been taking longer and longer for this to occur.

Has anyone had a similar situation? Please respond!

fejz

fejz,

Gosh, I'm sorry to hear this. When is the last time you checked with your GI doctor or surgeon? I have the opposite problem -- high output -- and take Imodium or other generic products to slow my output down. My motility was not super and I had a colostomy but switched to an ileostomy. Even with a colostomy (and irrigating), my doctors suggested Miralax to move things along. There's also a magnesium powder called CALM but I'd check with my doctors about my diet and other factors before taking these.

My GI doctor sent me to a nutritionist for a while who knew a great deal about ostomies. Are you eating enough fiber? I know that can be tough with an ileostomy but maybe you need more. Even pureed or more digestible in soup? Do you hydrate regularly? Both are necessary.

I wish you luck and hope you get some answers.