Blockage Signs for Ileostomy?

Hey all. I have had an ileostomy in place for 4 years now. I am as active as I was before and pretty much eat what I did before, and I know some things I eat are not supposed to be consumed by ostomates: pickles, nuts, corn, popcorn, etc. I have never had a blockage as a result of consuming these foods, but I chew a lot. How would I know if I get a blockage? What are the signs?

No output, cramps, pain, and bloating, just to name a few.

G-Day Rene,

The pain is very real, but if you start to vomit, head for the emergency ward.

You only have to miss one nut or corn.

Regards, IGGIE

I didn't have a blockage until about 10 years after having my ileostomy. I remember saying to my ostomy nurse before that, "I don't think I've ever had a blockage." Her reply was, "You will know about it when you have one." She was so right!

Vomiting is definitely a bad sign. When I had my blockage that landed me in the hospital, I had a lot of watery output that turned clear or almost clear, like water was the only thing getting through. I didn't have pain, which is odd, but I had a lot of the other symptoms. I went to the emergency room because I knew something was wrong. Sure enough, I had a blockage. They put in an NG tube, and I couldn't eat for four days. I was starving! The blockage cleared without needing surgery, luckily.

Getting Support in the Ostomy Community with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

My output stopped for 2 whole days last week, and I put it down to a severe cold I've had. But when it started up again, I noticed a large rough piece of something in my bag, so it could have been a blockage, but I can't think of what it could be that I had eaten.

What is an NG tube?

Good to know. I do believe I've had minor blockages that cleared on their own. Increasing fluids seemed to help.