Loop Ileostomy Experience and Managing Hydration

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386
KDP3099
Dec 12, 2024 12:04 pm

I had my loop ileostomy surgery recently, and it went smoothly—pretty much painless, just a bit sore. I didn't need any pain medication. I was discharged yesterday evening since my output looked good and I felt comfortable managing the appliance. The food was terrible, so I didn't eat or drink much yesterday. This morning, I woke up feeling dehydrated, with some liquid output and a slight headache. I'm planning to address this quickly with some electrolytes (I only have Liquid IV at the moment and some Pedialyte) and a light breakfast. Hopefully, that helps!

I'm open to all suggestions regarding hydration and diet choices.

AL77
Dec 12, 2024 1:29 pm

Hi,

I also had this surgery about 6 weeks ago. I also woke up dehydrated in the beginning. It gets better as your body gets used to the new set up. I drank a lot of water and also pedialyte, Gatorade. For eating I had binding foods for the first couple of weeks like cereal bananas, applesauce, peanut butter, white rice, chicken, all low fiber foods. I’m eating pretty much everything now. Try to go outside and walk a lot, that really helped me, it increased my strength quickly.

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KDP3099
Dec 12, 2024 1:38 pm
Reply to AL77

Thanks for that feedback. I ate a toasted bagel with peanut butter and 1/2 a mashed-up banana. I drank 16 oz of water mixed with some Liquid IV. It's my first day, so I need to establish a routine.
How many electrolytes are needed per day? I know everyone is different.

Feeling much better. I have a large, gentle black lab that would love to go for a walk.

ron in mich
Dec 12, 2024 2:31 pm

Hi KDP, it sounds like you're on the right track. I also drink Liquid IV, but I mix it in a 28 oz Gatorade bottle. I also drink Gatorade that I mix in the same size bottle. During the day, I also drink tea, milk, and if feeling wonky from too much exertion, some V-8 juice, and of course, I sip on water all day.

joanne.rand1968
Dec 12, 2024 9:30 pm

Hi, glad to hear you're doing okay. I had my ileostomy last year; first of all, I loved it!
Now, bowel issues, lolol.

I left the hospital feeling okay, no meds!!!!

My first few nights home were a bit hard at night, as one night I managed to pull my bag off. Yes, it was like a tsunami of poo.

Then I spent a bit more time developing a good routine with my bags.
Food was hard, so basically rice crispies.

Yogurt, mashed potatoes.

After a few visits with the stoma team and some good old advice from them, basically a diet of carbs and small meals 4/6 times a day, things like tea and a cookie, toast, yogurt, and scrambled eggs.

Then gradually add some different foods along the way.

I was told to drink Lucozade and add salt to my food.

Good luck.

 

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warrior
Dec 13, 2024 2:34 am

Hi there "tough cookie" (read your profile👍).

My advice, which I learned my lesson from 2 visits to the emergency department in 3 months for dehydration, is to first get blood work done, with vitamins included. Many folks don't even realize they can get vitamin levels checked if asked.

Do that. Keep records. And basically establish a starting point or reference point.

"Ground zero."

Once you know what your levels are, including blood sugar, talk to your doctor about improving them.

Fact is, you will dehydrate.

You will lose a lot of vitamins and minerals due to ileostomy output. You will feel something isn't right once dehydrated.

And guess what else to fear due to dehydration? Kidney disease.

It's come to light some members were never told about this years ago. Today, they have CKD—chronic kidney disease...

I often tell people what my dad used to tell me about teeth, for example.

He said, "Ignore your teeth, son...they will go away."

That's true for anything.

Ignore the signs and you too will go away. A very unpleasant trip...indeed.

Get labs done. Maybe once a year? And start from there.

You got this. 👍

Axl
Dec 13, 2024 10:15 am
Reply to KDP3099

Hello K

You sound confident and look like you are doing well and eating well already. Regarding electrolytes, you have already answered your question; everyone is different. I drink everything except coffee, which goes through me like spit through a Bugle. I also sip a liter of water over the day in between whatever else I drink, with a cheap electrolyte tablet from the supermarket and about half a teaspoon of pink salt. Be wary of always drinking Gatorade-type drinks as they contain way too much sugar. If I happen to find myself on the ropes, which is not very often, I drink St Marks Solution for a couple of days. It's an oral rehydration solution, "ORS," that you make at home. St Marks is a hospital in the UK; it is a very well-known "ORS." You can Google it. By trial and error, you will get to know what your body needs.

Rose Bud 🌹
Dec 15, 2024 9:52 pm

Careful with the Liquid IV; sometimes it can be a bit much for some people. Gatorade is great, and if you like cucumbers, they're excellent. Mind you, they can cause high output but also help with kidney issues, and a shot of pickle juice works wonders (of course, they say there's no evidence of it working, but it helps me with headaches and cramps). You'll find your way once you get used to your new normal. Please feel free to ask whatever you need. As you can see, we're all here to help. Some things work better for some, and it depends all on your body and why you got your stoma.

Best of luck 🌹