I've had my ileostomy since late October and have done well with it until a few days ago. I am noticing pressure, bloating, and mild pain off and on to the left of my belly button. When I feel around, I can detect a lump of what feels like solid stool. My first output this morning was odd, lots of foam. The next time it was the thickest I've ever had. I'm just drinking lots of liquids, massaging, pulling my knees up and rocking, and applying heat. I'm concerned I'm getting a blockage. Any further advice?
Daria Luna
Dec 23, 2022 4:24 pm
TerryLT
Dec 23, 2022 8:46 pm
Try drinking a bottle of Coke, original, not sugar-free, or some other really sweet liquid, juice, etc. Good luck!
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Posted by: Primeboy
Hi Mike and all. I am not sure how panoramic my perspective really is as my peripheral vision shrinks with each passing year. I can tell you that when I came to this website six years ago I was truly ;impressed by the positive attitudes of so many members, especially the younger folks who refused to let their ostomies define who they were or what they would become. I also came to appreciate that having an ostomy is not the same thing as having a disease. Pardon ;my pun now, but ostomies and cancer don't belong in the same bag. One is a solution, the other is a problem. Celebrating National Ostomy Day ;is also well outside my comfort zone. That's like celebrating National Wheel Chair Day. Come on!
I think there is a ;need for improved ;public awareness of ostomies, but I am not sure how that's best done. There ;remains ;some social stigma attached to our situation, and it's acutely felt among our young. We need to get out of the dark ages on this issue, but not by going 'in your face' to everyone else. I think Bill and NDY are 'spot-on' when it comes to telegraphing the right message to friends and family. People will know how to react when they ;see ;how we accept the cards we were dealt. I also appreciate the contribution some people here are making to this effort through their publications.
On a personal note, my son has been suffering from ulcerative colitis for years just like I did. I am very concerned because people with UC are at a higher risk for colon cancer. Years ago my GI told me to get annual colonoscopies to be on the safe side. I am glad I did because he eventually found pre-cancerous cells which led to several surgeries and my becoming an ostomate. Since then I have always ;conveyed a positive attitude to ;my son about wearing a bag because it has kept me alive to enjoy many more years with my loved ones. I think he got the message. We both go to the same gastroenterologist in NYC and get scoped on the same day. Father and Son moments!
Someone once wrote that our children are the letters we write to the future.
PB
Morning glory
Dec 23, 2022 9:45 pm
Good advice from others. You might sip some hot tea and try a heating pad; your pulling knees and rocking side to side and gentle circular massage will be helpful. I hope this helps you.
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eefyjig
Dec 24, 2022 4:02 am
Sounds like you're doing everything right. Maybe add very slow deep breaths where you push your belly out on the inhale and pull it way in on the exhale. Gently pressing your belly around your stoma can help. Stay on it with everyone else's suggestions, too, and I hope it passes fast.
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TerryLT
Dec 24, 2022 9:40 pm
I am so glad to hear this! I don't even like Coke, but always keep a few bottles on hand, just for this reason. I don't keep them refrigerated. My theory is the room temperature liquid would not be as much of a shock to the system going in and might keep your bowel more relaxed than if it were cold. Just a theory, but it has worked for me every time.
Terry
IGGIE
Dec 28, 2022 1:54 pm
Dear Daria Luna, I hope all the info is working. But if you get to the point you feel like vomiting, get off to the hospital emergency ward ASAP. I hope all goes well and that 2023 is a good year for you and all the ostomates.
IGGIE
Dec 28, 2022 1:57 pm
Dear Daria Luna, I hope all the info is working. But if you get to the point you feel like vomiting, get off to the hospital emergency ward ASAP. I hope all goes well and that 2023 is a good year for you and all the ostomates.
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