Ileostomy and Bowel Irritation: Seeking Soothing Solutions

I'm wondering if anybody has used any products that "soothe" what feels like an irritable bowel. I have an ileostomy, and my bowel just feels irritated on occasion. Peppermint tea seems to help a little, but I was curious if anybody has any suggestions for anything else?

I went to a gastroenterologist, and the first thing he wanted to do was a CT enterography with contrast medium. I would prefer to start more conservatively, but he wanted to do that complete workup. So any product or over-the-counter medication suggestions would be most welcome. Thank you.

Hi Milford, do you mean that you have abdominal discomfort? Yes, I get that typically when my output is thicker. It may be something as simple as scar tissue that doesn't like thicker output working its way through your intestines. If I can expel gas, I feel much better. I do that by twisting my torso and pushing my belly far out and way in as I deeply inhale and exhale.

Thank you, eefyjig. It's interesting that you mentioned gas because I have been experiencing that and noticed if I can burp, it does feel better temporarily. I will definitely try your "twisting torso" technique. Other times, it is a discomfort -- not a real pain -- just discomfort that to me feels like the interior of the small intestine is just irritated. I mentioned the peppermint tea seems to help, but I was curious if anybody has used any over-the-counter products with success. I haven't noticed any change in output thickness, but I will start paying attention to that, as well, when the discomfort appears. Thanks again.

Ibgard and Atrantil are two medications you can try. It takes about a month to see the effects of Atrantil. If neither helps, you may want to get the CT enterography; it is extremely useful in diagnosing problems of the small intestine.

— Proud owner of lifesaving ostomy, vintage 2023, V6 colostomy engine.