Tips for Firming Stool with a Retracted Stoma

Replies
5
Views
154
BlazeHuber
Mar 26, 2025 9:30 pm

I am a colostomate with a retracted stoma. I have lost most of my descending and sigmoid colon and my rectum. My stool is often soft and mushy, causing leaks. The softer my stool, the worse the leaks, and the worse my irritation and maceration. It is a bit better when my stool is firmer. Is anyone having success in firming the stool when they are lacking the descending colon?

Beth22
Mar 26, 2025 9:57 pm

Have you tried different foods to thicken it up? Like mashed potatoes, bread, bagels, etc.? A couple of examples that should help... and remember, all of our stomas are different, and different foods work differently for each of us. We all have to experiment to find what works for us. You're going to have to experiment to find yours too.

Gray Logo for MeetAnOstoMate

Why Join MeetAnOstoMate?

First off, this is a pretty cool site with 40,240 members.

But, it's not all about ostomy. We talk about everything.

Many come here for advice, others find lasting friendships, and some have even found love.

🔒 Privacy is very important - your profile is not visible to the outside world.

Create Account

  40,240 members

Ben38
Mar 26, 2025 10:11 pm

Banna, apples, even apple sauce, peanut butter, some say marshmallow, and jelly babies help them. It might help, but some people have loose output whatever they eat.

SusanT
Mar 26, 2025 10:31 pm

I have loose output no matter what I eat, and I have most of my colon left. I've tried all the usual foods, so try those, but it might not work.

I think your best bet will be to have a revision surgery and get that retracted stoma pulled out.

AlexT
Mar 27, 2025 12:28 am

Get the stoma fixed if possible.

 

Avoiding Ostomy Bag Leaking | Managing Ostomy Leaks with LeeAnne Hayden

Play
papaboo
Mar 27, 2025 4:46 pm

Have you tried "Trio Pearls" - Gelling sachets plus odor reducing


↑