For a while, I was doing good with thick output but the last week or two, I've had nothing but liquid output. It is starting to frustrate me. I have tried everything I know what to do, Imodium, marshmallows, and what used to work really well, pumpkin. Does anyone know any other helpful trick?
Lee
Loose stools can occur with ileostomies. If you are filling up your bag frequently with very watery stools, you need to see your doctor. I assume you don't have Crohn's?
First, think of dietary causes. Milk products and a variety of colas can cause loose stools. I was told to consume pasta to firm up my output early on. Are there any medications or vitamins that could cause loose stools? When all of the easy things are ruled out, then infectious causes need to be considered such as CMV, C Diff, others but your doctor will need to do testing for detection of these.
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Hi Deb,
As you can see, the outpouring of love and support from this website will help you to find the strength to lift yourself up and out of your current emotional situation. I am lucky to have my husband by my side through all of this, so I will not even pretend to know how you feel and what you're going through alone. I do know that I have great friends on this site and in my life that have been by my side, and hopefully you have many by your side as well. You do have a lot of new friends here. Please feel free to talk through anything that is on your mind. We all go through a confidence deficit when we go through an ostomy surgery. Our body has been marred and your mind feels that way sometimes too. It is tough to move on, but you will. You will be stronger once you realize that you are still the beautiful woman you were prior to your surgery. Hopefully, you can reach out to a local support group and find some additional friends in your same situation. It always helps to have a sounding board wherever you find it!
Puppyluv
Hi Lee
Mine is almost usually loose and every now and then it thickens up hugely for no apparent reason, then at other times it's in between and no idea why (ileostomy)
Sometimes too loose can cause leaks with some people, but if it's not bothering you don't worry about. I find loose sort of flushes the bag almost perfectly clean instead of being otherwise difficult to empty. A bright side to the story, huh?
But if you have concerns, go see the doc, but you don't sound too different from others.
I usually have output that is kind of melted ice cream consistency. It is just that lately it's been more like water or tea. Yesterday, I got a shock when my end of the day output was only 450cc (compared to the usual 1,500 to 1,800). I think "Marvin" (my stoma) was sleeping. He was just having a casual Friday, I think.
Lee
Hi Lee,
My ileostomy is 8 months old now, and output is still inconsistent. In the beginning, the thickening foods they recommend, such as pasta and bread, worked, but nowadays, not so effective unless that's all you eat. The supplements they recommend didn't work for me. I have found psyllium works best. Just add a spoonful to cereal, soups, yogurt, ice cream, etc. Try to have it with or after each meal for consistent thick output. Also good at lowering cholesterol.