Managing Diarrhea with an Ostomy Bag: Seeking Advice and Support

Hello, I am new to this forum. I have had my ostomy bag for 9 years. Just going for my 9th year cancer test. I have been able to do almost everything during this time: swimming, biking, kayaking, and traveling, etc.

One thing that always bothers me is my periodic episodes of diarrhea. I have a small side bag that doesn't hold that much. My brother has had a bag for 50 years. He has a huge bag, and he never worries about diarrhea, but in my opinion, I can smell it.

My problem, I guess, is that as soon as I have any type of movement, I feel that I have to change my bag. I go through a lot of bags.

But I fear having an accident while I am out with friends socializing or out to dinner.

The doctor that operated on me told me to take Metamucil, which for the most part works, and if it gets bad, take Imodium.

But I live with this fear of uncontrolled diarrhea. Does anyone else have this fear? Does anybody use products that harden the stool that work?

This is my first post. I would appreciate any feedback.

Thank you, Swimmer

Get a larger bag that is drainable...and empty it when it is 1/4 filled.

Sorry your brother has a smelly bag. Tell him it smells and he needs to change it more often. It could be he is not aware of the smell.

I have watery output from my colostomy on most days. I am on a low-residue diet for unrelated reasons, so I cannot use Metamucil. I expect that Metamucil will help when I am able to add it in.

I prefer closed-end bags, which are not very big. So I accept that I will go through a lot of bags. I have some drainable bags for use if I run low on my stock of closed-end bags. That provides some peace of mind that I won't run out of bags.

Maybe you could switch to a large drainable bag for home use and switch to a small bag when going out if you are concerned about smell or size in a public venue.

Edit to add: of course, that suggestion only makes sense with a 2-piece system.

It probably doesn't smell as much as you think it does. If you are concerned about smells, use M9 drops in your bag. Use a bigger bag if you can. Empty often if you are out in public; use the public restrooms. That is what they are there for. Don't feel like you have to change your whole appliance if you have a bout of diarrhea. If you use a drainable pouch, just be sure you clean the mouth of the bag really well with toilet paper. If you are at home, you can clean the end of your bag with baby wipes. You could even put some in a bag and take them with you if it is easier to use. There should be no smell if you are using deodorant drops. There are things you can put in your bag to thicken output: little dissolvable tablets. I don't know what they are called by brand. Maybe someone else on here knows.

You say small bag. Do you use stoma caps as a bag? A bigger drainable bag is only the size of your hand and a teaspoon of oats in it. So it's just occasional diarrhea or loose output, one of the things we just have to live with. I've had my ileo for nearly 40 years now; for the last 20 or so years, I've had loose output. I've just learned to live with it over time.

Avoiding Ostomy Bag Leaking | Managing Ostomy Leaks with LeeAnne Hayden

I find eating bananas helps thicken and stabilize my output .... try and see if this helps you.

BW

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Jayne ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Thanks for your advice! This morning is the first time I have not taken Metamucil in years. I have been reading about probiotics recently, and this morning I tried just a probiotic, and I had a regular movement. Is there hope? Lol. Having my 9th year cancer test this week. I am a little worried, but it has been good so far.

Thanks for your feedback. I have a small closed-end bag that I have to empty a lot. Whenever I have anything, I feel like I have to empty it. I just don't like the large open-ended bags. My doctor told me to take Metamucil in the morning, which usually helps, but for the first time since my operation, which was 9 years ago, I tried probiotics. This morning (I know only 1 day), I had a regular movement, so I will try probiotics for a while. I love to socialize and go out to dinner, work out at the club, and be with people, and I do not want to always worry about diarrhea. Thank you, Swimmer

I have my approximately 1-year screening colonoscopy on Wednesday. I had the CT last Friday... it's nerve-racking!