Dealing with Partial Blockage After Colostomy

Hi all, I got a permanent colostomy 8 months ago. I recently have experienced partial blockage possibly from fried crab shell. It's been 3-4 days, and I can only produce output with the use of laxatives. It all comes out at once, and I experience abdominal pain. I'm staying hydrated with Gatorade and plenty of water. Anyone else ever have this problem? Am I being foolish by not going to the doctor yet?

It's kind of odd that it only comes out with laxatives. IMO, I think too many people change their system all up radically by either taking something or not taking something to get an effect that they desire. You take something to make you go, so it empties you out. Then, you don't have anything in you to go for a couple of days, so you think you're blocked, so you take more to make you go. Then, the cycle continues. Just something to consider…..

How much discomfort are you in? If you are in extreme discomfort, then maybe you should contact your doctor. If your pain is minor, then you may be able to wait it out. I am in a position right now with my ileostomy where I have to take a laxative to get things moving, but I have been instructed by a doctor to do so. I also just had surgery, so I need a laxative to keep my system awake and moving. But you can't depend on laxatives forever; it isn't healthy. It might clean you out, but maybe it's better to look at what you are eating and curb things with that. If a food is causing you a partial blockage, you maybe should not be eating that food?

Exercise is helpful -- keep moving.

BW

J

Go with the flow - and try exercise perhaps .....

I do not know about crab shell - not ever having ingested this to my knowledge ..... but I do know, if one accidentally ingests glass [as can happen with a bit unseen after clearing up a breakage and leaving a bit on a worktop] ..... then eating dry bread can be tried as a cushioning effect.

Like Alex says - the use of a 'progressor' / 'inhibitor' - will go some way toward having their effect ......

Sometimes it may be best to 'wait' and naturally 'go with the flow' ...... and if the flow becomes sluggish ....... then perhaps keeping the body fluid with regular exercise throughout the day [even chair yoga if not mobile] may be something to consider, as in my opinion, interventive chemicals are a last resort and should not be relied upon as a matter of course, because, generally, if given the opportunity, the body WILL right itself over time - assuming that 'surgical plumbing' is not required.

Good luck,

and yes, something to think about ................

Keeping ourselves in balance is a continual process of listening to the body and working WITH it ..... supporting what it needs to regulate.

BW

J

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I would stop depending on laxatives. Why not instead eat foods that are easily digested? Make sure you stay hydrated. If you aren't having any BM, you might then consider going to the doctor.

I have a urostomy. While I don't deal with what you do, I can tell you that I've had two bowel blockages. Hands down, your body will 100% let you know that something is very wrong, such as violent vomiting and severe abdominal pain.

Sorry, I didn't see your response until just now. I've been thinking the same exact thing you're talking about. If you drain it all with laxatives, how do you know it's blocked later? A vicious cycle. I did start having output with just Miralax. My surgeon texts with me still. He said some people that continue to experience blockage take MiraLAX every day, and he doesn't have a problem with that. I'd rather not, but I think it's good information to keep in mind. I ended up going to the ER, got an IV with fluids, and I feel much better. CT scans showed no blockage. I'm still going to mail in a fecal kit to test for inflammation. Thanks for your advice 🙂

Thanks, Infinity. No, you can't keep depending on laxatives. I do need to change my diet to food that gets me moving. I hope your system continues to wake up and be healthy 🙂

So true, and my system wasn't rebelling all that badly. I think I could have waited this one out, but I'm pretty new to all this. It's scary. Thanks for your advice 🙂

Hey Escuzzo! I had a partial blockage this week and my Dr suggested a fleet enema and digitizing my stoma- it worked!  I also did alot of walking, twisting my legs side to side on my back and messaging the abdominal area. Its not fun but a great reminder to CHEW CHEW CHEW!!  Stay active my friend...  Scot