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Iron Supplements and Thicker Output - Seeking Insights

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infinitycastle52777
Dec 18, 2023 10:38 pm

There was a discussion a while back about iron causing thicker output. I don't remember if anyone said the reason for this... I am wondering, is it that it slows down output and thus gives the small intestine a chance to absorb liquid, or if it is the side effect of constipation? I was given iron supplements that I have been on for about a week and a half, and I have noticed that I do have thicker output but still have plenty of volume. Well, not excessive volume but comparable to previous amounts. Anyone with thoughts on this matter?

Lee

Mysterious Mose
Dec 18, 2023 10:57 pm

I take iron supplements because of low hemoglobin. Maybe it does thicken things a bit, but does nothing to slow down my output. It's still 9-11 dumps a day. Currently, I am experimenting with Imodium to see if that will slow things.

Daniel

Posted by: Karen & Stella
Fay,

I am one of those few people who still have a lot of output at night. However, I suffer from short gut syndrome after seven bowel surgeries that led to the loss of much of my small intestine as well as my large intestine from the initial bowel cancer surgery. It does get better over time as your system adjusts, but an ileostomy can be a challenging adjustment. It's important to connect with a good Enterostomal Nurse - ET nurses who can help you problem-solve over time. It's been five years since my initial surgery, and I had a great visit with a new ET nurse in December. He really helped me with the problem of high output at night. I had been getting up every 90-120 minutes to empty my high output bag because of filling. If I slept for three hours without emptying, I would have problems. My ET nurse helped my husband and me make a nighttime collection system using a Rubbermaid juice container with a handle and my old CPAP hose. This is connected to one of my two-piece high output bags and allows for continual drainage. It isn't pretty, but it has been a real lifesaver. I guess the real message I want to share is to stick with it, find a nurse who you can work with, and together you will find solutions to whatever challenges you face. This website is also an important support for me and others. There is nothing you will go through that others haven't already faced and figured out. There is so much wisdom here. Read the materials they've put together for newbies. There are a lot of great suggestions to use. I hope things get better quickly for you.
Karen
Morning glory
Dec 19, 2023 12:47 am

Daniel Imodium helps me. It slows my output down some.

infinitycastle52777
Dec 19, 2023 3:02 am

I have Imodium on a PRN basis that goes with how much volume of output I have the day before. Then I have a chart that tells me how much Imodium to take. For example, I have to reach 1,200 cc to take 1 Imodium, and then at 1,500 cc, I take one in the morning and one before dinner, and so on, up to 16 mg of Imodium in a day. If I have output over 2,400 cc, I'm supposed to contact the doctor.

Lee

ron in mich
Dec 19, 2023 3:26 pm

Hi Daniel, I take a couple of Imodium every day, one after breakfast and one after supper. I'd be dumping 8-10 times a day if I didn't.

 

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Mysterious Mose
Dec 19, 2023 5:09 pm

I have only one full day under my belt (bag?) so far. If yesterday is any indication, it does seem to help. I only emptied my bag 6 times from midnight to midnight. The problem is that I have a nagging feeling I miscounted and, in about 30 minutes, I will have done my 3rd dump already today (it's 10 am now). That's my breakfast dump, which is usually not a big one. I try to make sure I am running on empty for my morning walk. We will see how today goes.

Mysterious Mose
Dec 20, 2023 3:50 pm

6 times again yesterday. So, Imodium appears to work as advertised. :-)

Daniel

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