Managing High Output in Ostomy: Tips and Advice

What can be done for high output in the ostomy? How do I reduce it?

With an ileostomy, we have to drink at least 2 liters of water a day. If you are drinking more than this, you will have a high output. Talk to your stoma nurse.

IGGIE

First thing to do is measure your output in a jug for 1 week to find out the amount that's coming out, as everyone's idea of high output is different. Then speak to a doctor if you haven't done so already to find out why and if it's temporary or permanent. The food you eat can possibly slow it down, but if it is really high output, only meds will help slow the output down.

I have a loop colostomy and empty my bag about 5 or 6 times a day. I usually have a fairly big movement once a day, and the rest are way smaller. It's not like before when I usually went to the can once a day. Some people have steady output. Mine is pretty regular, and I have long periods in the day when nothing is going on, so it makes it easier to shower, etc. If I eat less, I go less. Also, if I have to go out, I either don't eat or take Imodium, depending on what I have to do.

Do what I did and go back to your ileostomy. Best decision ever after 18 years of what you're going through now.

Regards, IGGIE

My Ostomy Journey: Keyla | Hollister

For high output, I have used Imodium three times a day, an hour before each meal. Also, you might try eating things like squash, pumpkin, sweet potato, peanut butter, and bananas. These foods will thicken your output and thus slow it down. Squash soup is a good way to get squash in. Pacific makes a light sodium version of squash soup. Look in your grocery store in the soup aisle; it comes in a green box with a screw-top lid. Be sure to check the expiration date on it. Pumpkin you can get in a can in the baking aisle. You can get it sweetened for you if you get pumpkin pie filling. You can eat it straight from the can, or you can get pumpkin in a can and add your own sweetening.

I have a loop ileostomy. The doctor gave me a new medication that is supposed to help reduce it, but it made me constipated and in pain. She said to stop the medication, and today I need to empty the bag every two hours.

Imodium makes my bag empty, and it stops working for two days. I was admitted after I took Imodium for severe dehydration.

I have an ileostomy. Meds and certain foods like vegetables or fiber might also contribute to high output. I recently started taking Metformin for diabetes, and my output is now even higher and more fluid. I know some people will have marshmallows or take Imodium, even prescription strength, to slow the flow. It didn't work for me, but it works for many I know.

Sweets cause a fast and high output for me. So I try to not eat those items unless I'm home. Of course, eating less of everything would help, but you'll lose weight. Eat foods that are thickening. There's a list online. I know we all need a lot of water, but you can drink water with the product called
Liquid I.V. It triples the amount of water you drink because it has electrolytes. Hopefully, you're not having leaks like I did for a year and a half. I make myself get up once at night to drain my bag.

Micky (my sister's nickname), you are a new osteomate? To quickly reduce output, change your diet. Potatoes, bread, pasta, rice, and beer pretzels (my fav) will slow down peristalsis. Imodium and marshmallows (my fav) slow it WAY down for bag changes. Conversely, hot liquids, like soup and coffee, will speed it up. Sip all day, as most will end up in your pouch. UOAA says 8 glasses a day. Good to talk with a wound/ostomy RN. Yankees swept the Cardinals and yummy ribs at Pappy's. Hot day.

Do you know caffeine can be a stimulant for output?

Fiber can cause a blockage for some folks, especially with an ileostomy. I have to really manage my fiber intake. (41 yr ileostomate)

Have you tried Lomotil to slow your output? It's a step up from Imodium, but it is a prescription. Check with your Dr.

I don't stop leaking.

Yes, I am. I have had my ileostomy for three months, and now they want to do a reversal because of the high output. I tried Imuimiom; it made everything worse. The doctor gave me a new medication, Apichex; it also caused me constipation with stomach cramps.