Reply to BobMac21
Hi Bob,
So here's the deal.....the 'bug' is simply acute viral gastroenteritis, which means your bowels are inflamed from the virus. Your body's defense against that is to secrete water into your bowel to flush out the virus as your immune system tries to kill it. So drinking anything by mouth will result in it going straight into your bag, as the intestines cannot absorb when inflamed. So you're dehydrating as your body fights the virus. They give you IV fluids because SOME of what they inject will help to rehydrate you, while some will be pulled into your intestines to flush the bug out. Bottom line is the diarrhea won't stop until the inflammation subsides, which depending on the specific virus....there's 3 or 4 of them that each lasts a different amount of time.....and can be anywhere from 1 to 7 days. So your output may not subside for some time.
To change your barrier with frequent output the best way is to do it on all fours over a bucket. Don't laugh.....it's not pretty, but it works. With your stoma horizontal it can drain straight down while you prep and dry your skin for your new barrier. I'm assuming you're using a two-piece barrier/bag........as it will be much tougher with a one piece. Of course if someone can help you it'll be much easier than doing it one handed........but I've done it, so it can be done. If there's an ostomy nurse in that hospital they should be able to help you out. If not the wound care nurse should at least be able to hand you supplies as you need them when you change your barrier. Not a good answer, I know........but it is what it is.
Think of what a great story this will make in the near future!! Give that virus hell, Brother!!
;O)