Could I Have a Colostomy Blockage? How to Identify and Address It

Replies
8
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758
lkgal
Jan 08, 2024 11:54 pm

I have only had my colostomy since August and have something every day. The last 24 hours I have had nothing. Could I have a blockage and how would I know? Thank you.

AlexT
Jan 09, 2024 2:08 am

It'll get more and more painful. Fluids and massage your stomach.

Beachboy
Jan 09, 2024 3:30 am
Very helpful

I have a colostomy, 1 year post-op. Sometimes I have no output for 2 days. Other times I have to drain the bag 2 times in an hour. Just the way it works sometimes.

A blockage will cause pain. If you experience consistent pain with no output for a couple of days, try what AlexT recommended. Drink lots of fluids and gently massage your stomach. If pain persists, go to the hospital emergency room. Do not go to an urgent care place (they can't help you).

Posted by: Audrey Warren

This site is a godsend. As a newbie (colostomy on Nov 8, '21), I look at it every day for a number of reasons. Reading what people are going through makes me grateful that my elective surgery because of a severe case of IBS-C is nothing compared to what they have been through and are still living with.

I don't have to go to the hospital for anything related to my ostomy. I feel sorry for those who do and am in awe of those who can use humor to describe their ordeal. I identify with those who express their fears. I especially identify with those who are depressed because I am clinically depressed and have general anxiety disorder. How ironic that having a colostomy eliminated some of the depression and anxiety that the IBS created. I've been widowed twice and I'm on match.com.
I immediately included my operation in my profile and am pleased to say it doesn't seem to make a difference.

And there is much humor on this site and it's one of the reasons I enjoy it so much.

I could name numerous things I've learned from reading people's comments/questions/answers.

After months following on a daily basis, my only negative comment is I don't like listing the most popular members.
It's not that I don't like these people; I do. It's that I think it elicits some "Facebook"-like banter or comments that are gratuitous.

I don't do any social media and think that its merits are overshadowed by too much negativity.

Meetanostomate is in no way negative. I just think the gallery of "popularity" detracts from what is an excellent website that deals with a serious issue that causes a myriad of emotions.

ron in mich
Jan 09, 2024 2:31 pm
Very helpful

Hi Ikgal, drink a 20 oz. bottle of Coke or a glass of fruit juice. That should help to get things moving.

kittybou
Jan 09, 2024 11:47 pm

Or beets. You will know right away if beets don't pass. They make your output very pretty!

 

Avoiding Ostomy Bag Leaking | Managing Ostomy Leaks with LeeAnne Hayden

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lkgal
Jan 10, 2024 12:42 am

Thank you for all the answers. After two days, it is working again. The information and advice were very helpful. Thank you all so much. This really is an adjustment.

kittybou
Jan 10, 2024 1:22 am

Things get better with time. They did with me! 😸🥳

tnmontan9721
Jan 22, 2024 7:20 pm

Does anyone recommend a laxative? I haven't done anything in 3 days and had terrible pain last night. I hope it's not a blockage!

Beachboy
Jan 22, 2024 7:38 pm

You should go to the hospital emergency room. Don't go to an urgent care; they can't help you there. Blockage is serious. A laxative might make it worse.