I am 2 weeks out from colostomy surgery. I am having cramping after eating certain foods, and right now, there has been no output for about 12 hours. I am also suffering from cramping in the pubic area. I am wondering what to do, as the nurse at Mayo said it's normal. I'm stressing out.
EDIT: I did get output through the night!
Don't eat the certain foods that are causing the problem for a few weeks or months, then introduce them to your diet again. Two weeks since surgery are very early days; you're still healing inside. It might just be because you're not ready to eat them this soon.
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As Ben says, it is early days. You need more healing time before eating certain foods. I ate graham crackers, a very small pack, about 1 week after surgery and paid for it with horrible cramps and nausea that lasted a full day. A couple of months later, no problems.
12 hours is not that long to go without output if you have a colostomy. Ileostomies are different, and I'd be concerned if you had an ileostomy.
I agree with what has already been said. If certain foods are causing you an issue, don't eat them. Also, if you are in pain, it might be worth your while to get a second opinion. Just to be sure that this "normal" thing truly is normal.
Sometimes you forget that you have restrictions on food. I ate a bowl of crunchy nut cornflakes without thinking soon after leaving the hospital, never again 😚
Aly, are you getting any gas? I have gone 12 hours a few times but had gas, so I knew I wasn't blocked. Try drinking a hot drink to encourage movement. Not sure how long medical people leave a lack of movement before they intervene. It's a good thing that you checked with your nurse. Try to remain calm.