Watery Output and Weight Loss Concerns with Ileostomy

Have had my ileostomy since 1998, Barbie butt surgery in 2014, so multiple issues. Medical check-up last week showed a loss of 6 pounds since the March check-up, and for the past couple of weeks, my output has been very liquid. I have not eaten anything unusual; I have to be careful of fiber because of adhesions making the intestine very narrow in one section, which is also unfortunately near a hernia. I have had blockages in the past.

Concerned about the very liquid output, my body must be losing nutrients. I am taking Imodium and starting also Pepto Bismol. I added rice and high-protein Ensure to my diet, hoping to slow things down.

Before anyone asks, no, I don't have a stoma nurse or G.I. doctor; I am on Medicare, and that only pays for 5 minutes with a PA. My last doctor, a GP, was wonderful with advice on my ileo when I had issues, but I am not sure what to do now.

Could this be a germ irritating my system? Any OTC products or food that might slow/calm things?

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I assume you've tried marshmallows, bananas, potatoes, cheese, and peanut butter.

I have no good suggestions beyond what you're doing. I've been struggling with watery output from my colostomy for months now. I'm hoping some clever person comes on and gives a good suggestion.

Hi, we all go through one thing or another. Have you tried farina or oatmeal mashed potatoes? I found these have helped me. Good luck! If I think of anything else, I'll message you. Be well, have patience; it will get better.    Regards, S.I.L.

In addition to what's been suggested, you could try psyllium fiber. It may seem counterintuitive, as psyllium is normally used for constipation, but what it also does is form a kind of gel with loose output, so it can slow it down. It has helped me somewhat.

Terry

I'm not sure if this applies to you, but I'll offer some thoughts.

We also lose weight more readily as we age, without even trying (loss of muscle mass, changes in metabolism, etc.). Couple that with an ileostomy, and the weight loss can be even greater.

Then again, a loss of six pounds in three months may warrant further investigation. It might be that your appetite has diminished without you realizing it, and you're actually eating less, or less of certain foods.

I am 68 and can only eat soups and Ensure at the moment due to jaw problems. I try to make the most nutritious homemade soups possible, without causing blockages, so my soups are very creamy (thank you, immersion blender). My output is very liquidy sometimes and very thick at other times (I know, too much information!) depending on the fiber content of what I consume.

If you can't see a doctor or other medical professional, like a dietitian, someone who can really diagnose your exact situation, we on the forum are not qualified to offer you that kind of advice.

But we're all here to support you emotionally and offer practical suggestions when we can.

M
xo

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Marshmallows! Give them a try.

Peanut butter. It works. Smooth, of course, not crunchy.

Have adhesions and very narrow sections closer to the stoma, also a hernia that bulges out sometimes when I eat more than tiny meals, concerned that any kind of fiber may get "stuck." Had some spaghetti squash which I have eaten before; this time I ate somewhat more at one time and got a partial blockage with pain. Ended up in the ER getting IV fluid; it eventually started coming out. PA did a blood test, all OK, so requesting a stool test. I wonder about a "bug," although I don't feel "sick." Still not sure why liquid output continues.