Because I've been complaining about the number of daily emptyings (not the exchange of the bag) and the rapid transit time after eating, I chose to seek a new gastrointestinal doctor. Because he fit me into his tight schedule, there were only fifteen minutes devoted to my issues. He arranged a CT scan and also a possible colonoscopy, both next month. Though not eager for more radiation, he wanted to see why things changed since I was doing great for several months after the December surgery. So, all of that seemed reasonable, but in the end, he suggested Metamucil. I replied that I thought getting more fiber was not part of the ostomy diet, but he insisted. What I am pleased to report is that the number of “clean outs” has been reduced and the stool is very compacted and easily removed, so now I don't have to change bags, just clean out the flange area, which is much easier. Should this continue, I may suggest postponing the scan at the very least. For me, the moral of this story is that this young, grammar school-looking doctor made a simple suggestion that has made my daily rigors easier. I haven't yet discussed the transit time issue, but adding the Metamucil has indeed made a difference. Who would've thunk it? I even expanded my spartan diet slowly in order to gain some needed weight.
Looking forward to any and all comments.
I am not surprised. Metamucil is like a magic bullet, firming up too-loose stool and moving things along when they are too slow.
Good reminder for all of us to remember the basics. We tend to jump to more complex solutions without first exploring the basics.
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Yep, makes sense. I vaguely remember a surgeon mentioning that taking Metamucil will help ileostomy output. I did not take it for a very long time, thinking, why do I need a laxative? I suffered “failure to thrive,” not able to gain weight, etc. I started taking Psyllium Husk fiber from Costco (equivalent to Metamucil), and it was a game changer for me. Slowing the transit seemed to allow my body to absorb what it needed.
It was the beginning of my return to a more normal life.
Hope this works for you…jb
I took Psyllium Husk capsules for a while, but I was not sure they were much help. However, I was never sure how to take it: capsules or with water? Metamucil, aka Psyllium husks, I have never seen recommended this side of the pond. Most of the information on the product is not aimed at ileostomates.
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I was recommended psyllium capsules by a colorectal nurse many years ago (pre-ileostomy). I've now had my ileo for 9 years and have had episodes of losing too much fluid. I realized early on that anything with oats would slow output. Then I found a tub of capsules in the back of a cupboard, and they worked too.
I have had a past history with Metamucil...took it for years daily. Everything was an opera song in the morning.. :)
Infection...colostomy for a year..reversal (since April 1st). BM's were 'ok', but came some days and were absent others...some days had 5 or 6, with minimal output. I got fed up with it and tried good old orange-flavored Metamucil. I cannot tell you how it has made things feel 'normal' again. I feel better mentally and physically.
I understand we are all different, but my Dr. (years ago) told me how great it was. Actually lowers cholesterol levels as well.
If you are experiencing this same sporadic output, I would suggest speaking to your internist about Metamucil. And further...it can be taken long term, unlike other softeners, etc...
Like Susan T said...it's like a magic bullet..!
I noticed your comment, failure to thrive. I'm now in that situation. Did Metamucil seem to help you gain weight? I'm continuing to lose weight, have no appetite or desire to eat, weigh only 109 lbs, and am 5'8" in height. My normal weight has always been around 165 lbs. The weight loss started after I had colon cancer surgery last August. I've been to multiple GI doctors. At times when I do eat, no matter the amount or whatever it is, I get severe pain in the navel area, even after a bottle of Ensure. I have had multiple tests and scans. I have had my colostomy for 14 years now due to extensive radiation treatment for urethra cancer 24 years ago, several bowel blockages, and short gut syndrome. I'm 70 years old. I definitely believe my condition has something to do with the colon surgery, but doctors all dismiss it. The pain when eating and loss of weight started while I was still in the hospital after the surgery. I'm willing to try anything, but I'm so, so tired at this age of life going to the doctor, test after test. I'm really getting to the point where I'm just ready to give up! Thanks for listening.
So Metamucil or an equivalent can work for a high-output ileostomy? Nothing worked at all for me; I ended up being treated for intestinal failure and was put on total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Can something like this actually work?
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Oh dear, my heart goes out to you. Such struggles you are having to endure. Having pain is the worst, and it would seem the docs could figure this out. Finding the right one who will actually listen and act accordingly is most crucial and most difficult. I cannot relate to your situation as my ileostomy was more straightforward. Removal of a large cyst (non-malignant) and ravaged (doc's word) right ovary and appendix. I do believe fiber helped my body to re-adjust, but would not recommend it for you until/unless reviewed with a doc. Sending out hugs and positivity your way for some answers, relief, and recovery…..jb
Psyllium husk/psyllium fiber in powder form is what I take. It is compared to Metamucil. I take it in the a.m. in a smoothie, and for the remainder of my day, output is semi-solidified. Once I started this routine (more than a year after my surgery), I began gaining weight to a more normal size, and my overall health improved a lot. I never take capsules or pills, as I feel they just pop out in my pouch, and this makes me wonder if they would cause blockages - which I have never had nor ever want. May not be for everyone, but it works for me, and so I share…
I was given Metamucil in the hospital, and with advice from my surgeon, I have continued. Six months now, a glass in the am and one in pm with one Imodium (Costco generic) has kept my output good, and I can maintain a near-normal diet.
I see, yet another new GI doctor in a couple of weeks will definitely discuss the possibility of some sort of fiber. Thank you all!
That's what they want to do with me also; I can't absorb any of the nutrients from the food intake. I have to take multiple vitamins and supplements, but I usually come out whole. I have a colostomy, but high output. I can't wait to see the new GI doctor to discuss this with him!
Metamucil can provide a dichotomous, stool-normalizing effect to soften hard stool (increase BM frequency) in constipation and firm loose/liquid stool (decrease BM frequency) in diarrhea. Psyllium has been shown to soften hard stool/reduce symptoms in patients with chronic constipation and improve stool form/reduce symptoms in chronic diarrhea, lactulose-induced diarrhea, Crohn's disease, and phenolphthalein-induced diarrhea.