Is it normal for ileostomy output to change consistency?

Hi, I am 6 weeks post-op today. I have an ileostomy. Until a couple of days ago, my output was mostly watery, or sometimes it was a bit thicker. Starting yesterday, I am seeing a thicker output with small solid stools. Is this normal? Thanks!

I don't know about normal, but it is unusual. Take a good look at what you're eating, but go talk to your Stoma Nurse.

Regards, IGGIE

Be sure the solids aren't medications coming out or whole pieces of food. Remember to chew, chew, chew.

Just keep an eye on it... could be what others already said.... medication can come out whole... chunks of food if not chewed up good enough.. and trust me I've thought I chewed it but when you're hungry you'd be surprised what comes out in chunks.... I've had mine for almost 5 years and it's either like water.. or mashed potato looking or chunky.. and since you're new... certain foods can change the color... yellow... orange... green.. tan.. all kinds of brown.. green... the one that seems to freak most out is red..... at first it can seem like it's blood.. but if you eat anything red... like strawberries or cherries... it will come out in chunks if you don't chew well and anything with red food coloring will come out as red... any other questions no matter how embarrassing you may think it is .. just ask... we all 💩 and have war stories so I doubt any one of us will be grossed out .. there's lots to learn when one begins their "new" way of life... take care 🫂

Yes, it's normal for most. At first, output is very loose, but as you start to get back to eating a more normal diet, output thickens up. It's a good sign; it really shows your body is healing well.

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Thank you so much. I thought it was probably a good sign but wasn't sure.

Thank you for your very informative reply. I appreciate it.

It's always been my understanding that it's a good thing if your ileostomy output starts to thicken up after a while. It's the people, like me, with loose or liquidy output, who have to worry about absorbing nutrients and such. As long as you are keeping well hydrated, it's great if you are having thicker output.

Terry

Thank you, Terry. That's very reassuring. I've been wondering how it was possible to get enough nutrients, as thin and watery as my output had been. Take care!

Red or green jello too..freaked me out the 1st time! Breads..pasta..crackers will make it thicker also!

My gastro dr told me to drink Gatorade or some type of electrolytes replacement..would definitely talk to your nurse or dr...Take Care!!