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 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.