I had my surgery 2/23/17 and have only had to empty my bag about 2-3 times a day. It is liquid output, nothing solid. Is this normal?
estrogen
Apr 04, 2017 10:02 pm
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Immarsh
Hi All, If you have an " old" or recent ostomy, this is the place for you. I think I've been a member for more than 15 years, but I have had my surgery, since I was a kid of 15 ( do the math-that's more than 60 years ago). As a teen, with a new ostomy ( for Ulcerative colitis) my parents dragged me off to my first ostomy association meeting. I wasn't happy, but in the long run, it's the best thing that happened to me. I met others, older, and teens like me, adjusting to the changes. A group of us started a Young adult group, and helped each other, and even visited kids who were new to the world of ostomies. But soon I married, and moved out of state, and although made some connections with other NJ ostomates, I became pretty much isolated. Until I discovered MaO. By then, I was having a myriad of other medical issues, and my aging stoma " wasn't doing well". I received a lot of help and support from members! I was pleased that I was also back to supporting others. I met a gal on line (from Papua New Guinea) who was trying to help ostomates in her country. There is a scarcity of supplies in some other countries, and unlike the US, insurance to pay for supplies isn't available. When my son followed his "love" twenty years ago, and moved to Australia I took advantage of an opportunity to help other ostomates. On one of my first visits to Oz, I brought a suitcase full of Ostomy supplies, handed them off to an Ostomy assoc. On the Gold Coast, who then had a friend take them to PNG. They were grateful for the help, and Janet and I still write.. This is the place to be, if you need help, and it also gives you the opportunity to provide help and support to others. Feel free to write, if you'd like to chat, about things ostomy, or life in general. Best REgards to all.. Marsha
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Casey & George
Apr 05, 2017 1:28 pm
Where along your colon did they put your stoma? Mine is in the transverse colon so I'm pretty runny too. I empty mine when there is about 1/2 to 1 cup of stool. I am more worried about the weight pulling the bag off. I wear a Coloplast 2-piece click type connection. If you go more than 6-8 times a day, you could have diarrhea and need to push fluids and call your doctor. Give your intestines a little longer to heal and normalize. 2-3 times with a liquid output sounds normal to me.
estrogen
Apr 05, 2017 1:59 pm
Thanks for your reply. My stomach sits to the left and a little above my navel....
NotDeadYet
Apr 06, 2017 4:13 am
Hi, Estrogen!
My colostomy stoma is to my right, a little below my navel. Your liquid output is fine. Look at it this way... you have diarrhea but it's going into your bag. Not onto the floor of a chain store, like some people (pre-colostomates). So far, so good.
My problem is when it ceases to flow. Colons can block up, and after a day or so it'll land me in the hospital. You're runny now, but if you slow down for a second, you need to go for 100% prune juice. Do not let your colon stop for a second. Keep the flow going. If your colostomy stops, you have a big problem.
Lucky you without a stoma on your waistline! Fashion opportunities await!
Foldover waists on skirts are drifting out of fashion, get them while you can!
Mrs.A
Apr 09, 2017 2:15 am
Hi Estrogen,
Welcome to MAO. I wouldn't worry, your stoma is very new. There is quite a bit of time for your body to adjust to the way it now has to handle taking care of your food.
What is your diet like these days? Sometimes some of the food that you used to eat will have a different outcome than it once did. There are foods that will bind you that may never have before and foods that will end up liquid. Keeping a food diary can be very helpful to learn what works for you.
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Homie With A Stomie NS
Jun 30, 2022 3:50 pm
You are normal, lol.... Myself, I empty every time I go to the washroom. That's my thing. It helps with the weight and bulk, etc., in my opinion.... Remember, water is your friend. Drink loads of it. Food processes differently in all of us. You will see as you progress to new foods.... I'm 4 months in and the majority of the time, it's more liquid than anything else.... Nothing should be solid, but a porridge-like consistency is apparently the output you want.... But we are what we eat and drink..... Heads up, smells will also change with food choices.... Hang in there. You got this.... Smile on.