What can I do? I don't want to go to the doctor
Cagrl
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Lily17
If you're able, and you are certain that you have a blockage and not another medical issue:
Take an analgesic to help with pain, which will help relax the abdominal muscles.
Slowly drink a Coca-Cola. The acid in this soda can slowly break down the blockage.
(Keep in mind that, depending on how solid/immovable the blockage is, anything you ingest may not work its way through and you may end up throwing it all back up. Use caution!)
Place a warm heating pad or filled hot water bottle on your abdomen, but not too hot, you don't want to burn your skin or stoma. Place a towel between you and the pad/water bottle.
Walk around a bit as gravity may help with moving the blockage through your system.
Gently massage your abdomen to assist with moving the blockage. (I agree with CPlumber: when lying down, shift from side-to-back-to-side.)
Call 911 or have yourself driven to the emergency room if you get the feeling "in your gut" that you need medical assistance and/or you are throwing up what is in your stomach, even if it is only stomach acid, bile, etc.
Lily17
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Hollister
Read our tips to help you prepare for air, ground, or cruise travel with a stoma.
Cplumber
I have been doing the blocking thing for 25 years. And you taught me something new. Thanks.
Lily17
Good morning, Cplumber!
I'm happy to help - but can't take all the credit: an ostomy gal pal of mine (and a long-time member of the Reno Ostomy Association), Sue, imparted her wisdom to me prior to my surgeries. She had her ileostomy surgery in 2008, the same year I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. She's an amazing person, full of love and support, and is also very active in our community.
I do hope that Cagrl's situation has resolved successfully. Maybe Cagrl will update us on her condition?
Make it an amazing day, C! :)
Lily17
Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister
HenryM
There is an ostomy guy that has produced a series of videos on all things ostomy related. There is one titled Dealing with Ostomy Blockages: Ostomy Tips. It's at:
Lily17
Wonderful news, Cagrl! :)
If you can think back on what you may have eaten - and how - just prior to the blockage, you may be able to prevent it from happening again. There are quite a few posts on this site about diet, how to gain/lose weight, how to prevent/move a GI blockage. Check them out when you have time.
Glad you're feeling better! :)
And THIS is just one reason why we're here, people
Lily17