Foamy output - Anyone else experience this?

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jalrein
Sep 09, 2022 3:36 am

I have a question 2 years in the making. I have had my ileostomy for 2 years, and I get foamy output on occasion. I haven't been able to get a suitable answer from many people and websites. Does anyone else here get the same thing as me? The output makes a bubbling sound as it comes out, and it's just foamy. It doesn't hurt or cause any problems; it just happens. Wondering, curious for a couple of years now......

AlexT
Sep 09, 2022 3:40 am

I'm not sure about foamy but mine will sometimes create bubbles when I lightly pass gas, not that I sit and watch it but have noticed it when I'm changing my bag. Your intestines have quite a bit of fluid in some form or another in them. So, air and fluidy stuff creates bubbles which I guess could be like foam. &zwj

Posted by: Nini4

Well,  I  hit the two year mark. I went back and read my posts from when I first found this site. I was very fortunate in that I stumbled upon it only 4 weeks post op. I have said many times that this community really saved me. The first 2 weeks after my surgery I shut down completely. It wasn't until about the 3rd week that my son came in to my room, flicked on the light and told me I was going to have to get back to living because I was scaring him. I had fallen into such a depression.  He  ticked me off,  but it also made me stop and think- what was I going to do? Feel sorry for myself and sulk, or be grateful I was alive. 

I've re-read my journals from that time and it was after my son kicked my butt, so to speak, I took an honest inventory and had to dig deeper than I've ever had to. I mean, I had survived a pretty nasty divorce, after a pretty crappy marriage and that was tough. But this was different. I felt like I was now a handicapped person who would be limited in their life and be looked at as a freak. My mental state was precarious, at best. 

But then I found this site. I just lurked a bit before posting. I read so many of the other stories and I started to see just how full my life can be, I was not handicapped,  and certainly not a freak! The stories of survival, the sense of humor, the support and compassion was inspiring.  It was then I made myself get out of the dark, and get my sh*t together.  

Not all rainbows and sunshine at first, hardly! But with grace from myself - to myself, and the kindness and willingness of the folks here to be supportive, non judgemental and openly share intimate details about their life circumstances,  l not only survived but thrived. 

I think of all the years I had suffered with such extreme pain, barely functioning,  and the many hospital stays and how that is all behind me now.  (All fingers, toes, and legs crossed that I never have to go near a hospital for myself ever again. I think I'd rather have a fork stuck in my eye. I loathe every about them.)  

So, to everyone who has been a part of this journey with me, to say thank you is not enough. I'm forever grateful to know you all.  My Angels, each one of you. 

 And as the Grateful Dead famously said,

"what a long strange trip it's been!"

Im so happy I'm tripping with you all.


Past Member
Sep 09, 2022 3:48 am

For me, it's if I haven't eaten much in an unusually long period and it seems to be encouraged if I drink something with artificial sweetener too. Particularly for me, it seemed it was Lipton Diet Citrus Green Tea on a really empty stomach.

w30bob
Sep 09, 2022 4:21 am

Hi Jalrein,

Well... maybe you should use a little less Dawn when you wash your dinnerware and utensils! Ok, seriously, foam isn't all that unusual. It usually happens when your bowels are empty and your bile is becoming aerated a bit. I get it often because I'm short-gutted and my bowels get empty pretty quickly. Just don't swallow your bubblegum... or you'll be blowing bubbles in your bag! Ahh, the joys of being an ostomate!!! Gotta love it!

;O)

jalrein
Sep 09, 2022 5:47 am

Thank you at...

 

My Ostomy Journey: Keyla | Hollister

Play
HenryM
Sep 09, 2022 8:10 am

I don't eat after 5 PM the day before I change.  Then, the next morning, emptying just prior to changing, I see foamy or bubbly output, which tells me I'll likely be able to change without having to deal with output during the change.  I deduce that it is from the time elapse that has allowed my system to empty out.

xnine
Sep 09, 2022 6:54 pm

Yes, occasionally I get milkshake-type output. I have a colostomy. I do not keep a food diary so I do not know what is going on. My bag is full and not too heavy so I think it is just gas, but no, it is pressurized poop and can explode.

TerryLT
Sep 09, 2022 9:10 pm

I've always just assumed it's gas bubbles. I get it often, and it's often noisy when it's coming out, but not always.

Terry

Homie With A Stomie NS
Sep 10, 2022 12:31 am

Howdy fellow ileostomy mate and yep, it happens to me...sometimes depending on what I drink, for example soda or pop, dairy products, etc. Anything gassy or bubbly and how many in the day. Certain foods, especially gassy foods, does it for me....neither does it constantly. It's my stumpy, it has a mind of its own lol....fear not, it's just our accessory saying here have some gassy little air bubbles that get pushed through before there's any digested food there or your tummy is just upset. I take a pepto if it's an all-day thing....It's completely normal and nothing to be concerned about... If it is consistent, you may want to call your doc or ostomy nurse and inquire...

Stay strong and carry on

Your Homie With A Stoie

Tracy

Ritz
Sep 10, 2022 1:53 pm

Milk makes mine foamy