Seeking advice on irregular stool flow after colostomy

Replies
5
Views
3125
DonBrown1943
Jan 16, 2017 6:13 pm

From the beginning of the colostomy, I have still experienced symptoms of diverticulitis, which was a frequent problem before the colostomy. That is, I may go 2 or 3 days with no activity at all, then experience Noah's flood for a couple of days. Gradually, the stool becomes harder and smaller, then completely stops again. I have learned that thin soup thins the stool and pasta thickens it, but not enough to explain what is happening. Any comments out there?

HarleyDoll
Jan 16, 2017 11:50 pm

Well, what you are describing is not diverticulitis. It sounds more like IBS. If you had diverticulitis, you would NOT be eating because it would be too painful, and you would be in the hospital on two heavy-duty antibiotics. You could have a fever and might show a high white count. What you are describing sounds more like you go a lot and clean out, so then you don't go for a day or two. The same thing happens to me. No idea why you think that is diverticulitis. Why do you? Sounds normal to me.

Gray Logo for MeetAnOstoMate

Why Join MeetAnOstoMate?

First off, this is a pretty cool site with 37,000 members who truly understand you.

It's not all about ostomy. We talk about everything.

Many come here for advice or to give advice, others have found good friends, and some have even found love. Most importantly, people here are honest and genuinely care.

🛑 Privacy is very important - we have many features that are only visible to members, ensuring a safe and secure environment for you to share and connect.

Create an account and you will be amazed by the warmth of this community.

DonBrown1943
Jan 17, 2017 12:51 am

When I still had a belly button, I experienced alternating periods of severe constipation and severe diarrhea. My PC physician diagnosed both IBS and diverticulitis, which was confirmed by a colonoscopy. I had to have several precancerous polyps removed. Since the symptoms were similar, I thought it was the same disease. I am so new at this, I am still learning. Thanks for your reply and your information. That helps a lot.

Xerxes
Jan 20, 2017 12:19 am

I have to agree with HarleyDoll. If you have diverticulitis, you would know it. The pain is rather excruciating, and eating and the desire to eat is the last thing on your mind. My ileostomy is the result of perforated diverticulitis that was misdiagnosed.

X_

DonBrown1943
Jan 20, 2017 12:51 am

I have had diverticulitis pre-colostomy and I just thought the symptoms were similar. I actually figured out what the cause was after doing hours of reading on this blog/forum. (See my blog Flow Stoppage 2). It was the paste adhesive on my stoma. It had been applied so high on my stoma that, when it hardened, the stoma was restricted so much that no stool could pass. When I changed the bag and applied the paste much lower on my stoma, everything started functioning normally.

 

Getting Support in the Ostomy Community with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

Play
Xerxes
Jan 21, 2017 3:48 am

That is good to hear, DB.

X_