Ileostomy Issues: Dealing with Trapped Gas Not Entering the Bag

Hi all! 

I've had my ileostomy for a little over a year. Typical issues with leaks and finding the right products, figuring out what (not) to eat, wardrobe management, burping, peristomal hernia...

Brand new problem and I can't find ANY information about it. 

I have so much trapped gas, and I can't get it out! I used to wake up with a bag full of gas, burp through the day. These days, nothing. My belly sounds like rolling thunder as the gas just rolls back and forth. It hurts! 

I've tried hot showers, baths, yoga, walking, stairs, massage, clear liquids, gas-free diet. I've had a little relief with some of these, but no solution. It's been a couple of weeks now. I've missed so much work, and I'm at the point I'll have to take a leave.

The only cause I can think of is maybe the hernia is blocking the release of gas? 

Has anyone had anything like this? My home care nurse looks at me like I have 3 heads when I tell her about it.

Just to clarify, it’s only gas that isn’t coming out? You are having waste come out in the ileostomy?

Hello Kirsten.
Thank you for raising this issue as it is these types of things that cause us concern and frustration, that often the medics haven't come across and/or don't know how to deal with.
I had a similar issue when I first had a perisomal & parastomal hernia. Previously the stoma nurse had poked her finger inside to let me know which way the hole diverted so I had little hesitation in using that same technique to determine whether there was a hernia blocking the entrance to the stoma. I was amazed to find out just how great the pressure of the muscles were just beneath the surface and realised that this was probably the reason why the gas was not escaping.
At the time, there had been several posts on here about 'training' our stomas and systems to behave so I left my finger in there to see what happened. After a short while the tension in the muscles released and it was as if they were not functioning at all.
I decided that I would insert a stoma plug during the day to keep the hole open. The stoma plugs are a bit like tampons and are/ were porous, so they let the gas pass out but more importantly they kept the hole open. Occasionally they would be pushed out by the peristalsis like any other output, but mostly they stayed in. I wore these plugs for years until they were recently discontinued.
I also tried making my own stoma plugs but that's a different story.
A few months back I had a stoma prolapse, where the stoma extended outwards like a mushroom shape. I presumed that this dislodged the hernia to the outside and left the stoma hole open, so I have not had that problem since. 
I can 'feel' for you with this predicament as trapped wind can be very painful. One other thing that I found could sometimes alleviate the pain was metamucil, which seemed to disperse the gas somehow. 
I do hope that others on here will be able to chip in with some more practical suggested solutions.
Best wishes

Bill

Thanks all! 

In answer to the questions, I have output, just not passing gas. Some seems to pass during the night, but not during the day. I've been to the hospital with partial blocks in the past, during which time I had trapped gas. The CT scans at the time showed the hernia, but no one seemed concerned at the time. 

I did wear my hernia belt (it doesn't fit all that well) and it actually seemed to help. I'll try to sew a new belt and give it a try. 

Hi Kirsten,  I don't know about the hernia issue, but that is definitely something to look into.  I will tell you what works for me, because I often have trapped gas that causes me discomfort.  I eat lots of gas causing foods because I like them and they are good for me, so it's the price I pay.  What works for me is lying flat and applying pressure around my stoma.  I can often even feel part of my abdomen extended a little, so know exactly where I need to apply pressure, and it works, the gas just comes out.  You said you tried massage, so perhaps that is already what you are doing, but I thought it was worth mentioning.  I hope you figure it out.

Terry

How to Stay Hydrated with an Ostomy with Collin | Hollister