Dealing with Unusual Colostomy Odors

Hi there, I had a colostomy at the end of October and have been okay (as you can be) but I'm utterly disturbed by the smell of today's output and it's really worrying me. I can only describe it as rotten eggs to start followed by a vomit smell. Have any other colostomates experienced this? It seems to be frequent with ileostomy but I can't find any info with colostomies! The only thing I can think of that I ate yesterday was a couple of slices of garlic bread, but I've been putting garlic into my cooking for a few weeks now and I have NEVER experienced a smell like it. Just looking for a bit of reassurance that it's not just me as I had a really bad infection when I was in hospital and don't want to be back there over Christmas. Thanks for reading 😊

You'll have to see what your next output smells like. The big concern is internal bleeding — it has an unforgettably bad smell. Garlic does lead to bad smells — I quit eating garlic due to the smells it caused and the odor just hangs in the air.

Hello Lisa.
Yep! been there, done that.
Sorry I cannot be of much help because whenever it happens I have yet to figure out the precursor's. 
A Traveller's suggestion to 'wait and see' seems reasonable to me, but if you are particularly worried about anything in these early days, then a phone call to your stoma nurse could be reassuring.
Let us know how you get on.
Best wishes

Bill

Great detailed description. I'm about to lose my lunch. Thanks! Just kidding. Too soon? Ha ha.

Yeah. Garlic could be an issue. Agree with men above. There will be changes in your diet.

Loved garlic bread. It didn't love me though. Think of it as a treat sometimes. See what your next few outputs smell like.

Are you aware of deodorants that kill these god-awful odors you put in your pouch?

Would there not be more severe symptoms with internal bleeding? I only have the bad smell and nothing else.. Will definitely keep this in mind though in case any other symptoms do crop up. Hopefully not! 

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I've noticed my colostomy output to be variable. A couple times I've eaten something that causes a bad smell in my output. I wouldn't be too concerned about that. 

Look for other signs of infection, fever chills etc. If you see any if those head to a Dr pronto, otherwise I think you are safe to wait and see. 

A rotten egg smell is sulfur. Garlic contains sulfur as does eggs, dairy, meats, etc... it's a long list. You can google it if interested. Personally, I eat what I want, use deodorizer drops and just put up with the smell if it comes. But that's a personal choice. 

I've found nothing that reliably produces a strong odor. It seems to depend on quantity, what else I eat with it and quite possibly variation in my digestive system itself.

I am starting to think it may just be something I need to deal with. Such an adjustment. Hoping I don't get any other symptoms and so far so good. I'll definitely be looking into deodoriser drops too. You would think my stoma nurse would have mentioned these were a thing I could get! 

Smart thinking. I agree with you. 

To update, still stinks and is now a bit looser. I am starting to panic there might be a blockage but will hope not and try and call the nurse in the morning 🤞

Definitely call your nurse if it's bothering you. You've been thru a lot and it's natural to be anxious. 

My output is frequently very loose and this is not a cause for concern. Your colon is probably still adjusting to its new normal so some changes are to be expected. 

I have only had my colostomy since Aug, so about 2 months longer than you. My system still hasn't completely settled down. 

Thank you - this is quite reassuring to hear so appreciate the response. Hopefully it will settle down over the next couple of days 🙏 

Could be diarrhea from a virus or something you ate. I have a colostomy; the regular smell is bad, but diarrhea is worse—a monster smell. So, I use M9—it is a lifesaver.

Very true about the smell of diarrhea. However, the fluid from my drain is by far the worst smell I deal with on a daily basis. Sadly, there's no way to add deodorizer to the drain bag (sealed system). I've taken to calling the drain my ileostomy. 🤣🤣🤣

When I experienced the internal bleeding, in addition to the smell I mentioned, I began to see red blood in my pouch. There was no pain associated with it. I was in rehab at the time and my surgeon directed the rehab facility to send me to the emergency room for a CT. The results led to my re-admission to the hospital. If you are on an iron supplement, you will not see the blood, but the unforgettable smell will be there. I did begin to feel slightly lightheaded, but I had experienced worse while in the hospital.

Hello, what is M9, please?

An odor-eliminator you can add to your pouch made by Hollister.

https://www.amazon.com/Odor-Eliminator-Hollister-8oz-box/dp/B01CIS1TNS/

 

Thank you. I will contact my supplier to order the same. Thanks again, so grateful I didn't have to wait too long for an answer. Bless you.