Have had colostomy for 4 years! Tired of burping bag constantly even after watching what I eat! I poke small holes in the top of the bag with a toothpick. Don't have to worry about quickly burping the bag in front of people! It works!
Hermit
Jul 09, 2018 6:46 pm
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Posted by: Karen & Stella
Fay,
I am one of those few people who still have a lot of output at night. However, I suffer from short gut syndrome after seven bowel surgeries that led to the loss of much of my small intestine as well as my large intestine from the initial bowel cancer surgery. It does get better over time as your system adjusts, but an ileostomy can be a challenging adjustment. It's important to connect with a good Enterostomal Nurse - ET nurses who can help you problem-solve over time. It's been five years since my initial surgery, and I had a great visit with a new ET nurse in December. He really helped me with the problem of high output at night. I had been getting up every 90-120 minutes to empty my high output bag because of filling. If I slept for three hours without emptying, I would have problems. My ET nurse helped my husband and me make a nighttime collection system using a Rubbermaid juice container with a handle and my old CPAP hose. This is connected to one of my two-piece high output bags and allows for continual drainage. It isn't pretty, but it has been a real lifesaver. I guess the real message I want to share is to stick with it, find a nurse who you can work with, and together you will find solutions to whatever challenges you face. This website is also an important support for me and others. There is nothing you will go through that others haven't already faced and figured out. There is so much wisdom here. Read the materials they've put together for newbies. There are a lot of great suggestions to use. I hope things get better quickly for you.
Karen
I am one of those few people who still have a lot of output at night. However, I suffer from short gut syndrome after seven bowel surgeries that led to the loss of much of my small intestine as well as my large intestine from the initial bowel cancer surgery. It does get better over time as your system adjusts, but an ileostomy can be a challenging adjustment. It's important to connect with a good Enterostomal Nurse - ET nurses who can help you problem-solve over time. It's been five years since my initial surgery, and I had a great visit with a new ET nurse in December. He really helped me with the problem of high output at night. I had been getting up every 90-120 minutes to empty my high output bag because of filling. If I slept for three hours without emptying, I would have problems. My ET nurse helped my husband and me make a nighttime collection system using a Rubbermaid juice container with a handle and my old CPAP hose. This is connected to one of my two-piece high output bags and allows for continual drainage. It isn't pretty, but it has been a real lifesaver. I guess the real message I want to share is to stick with it, find a nurse who you can work with, and together you will find solutions to whatever challenges you face. This website is also an important support for me and others. There is nothing you will go through that others haven't already faced and figured out. There is so much wisdom here. Read the materials they've put together for newbies. There are a lot of great suggestions to use. I hope things get better quickly for you.
Karen
Mrs.A
Jul 11, 2018 5:16 pm
The bags with filters don't seem to do much for the gas, I suppose they're more for odor since they have a small amount of charcoal.
A toothpick or pinhole is an interesting home remedy for those who have a solid output. I found out about pinholes due to my cat ;). Tape is helpful if your output is not so solid but you must be careful as it can also make the hole larger.
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HarleyDoll
Jul 11, 2018 5:36 pm
Thank you for that info! But what do you mean tape can be helpful? How do you use tape and what kind of tape?
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HarleyDoll
Jul 11, 2018 5:38 pm
Do you have solid output? I can't see pinholes or holes of any kind working for me - lol. The smell would escape as well.
Hermit
Jul 11, 2018 5:41 pm
Have been using toothpick for a couple of years, don't have to worry about a surge of gas hitting in public, doesn't leak either! Have liquid output!
Mrs.A
Jul 11, 2018 5:51 pm
Harley Doll,
As for what I meant when I said tape can be helpful, my output is not predictable, sometimes it's not solid and I have to put tape over the pinholes so they don't leak.
There is actually a product that I have used called Osto EZ Vent. I will attach a link that shows a video on how to attach it to your bag.
melissaarnold40
Jul 12, 2018 2:23 am
I have had a colostomy 1 week today and everyone at the hospital said no dietary restrictions. However, the gas pain pressure has bothered me all day. Any input would be helpful!
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Hermit
Jul 12, 2018 2:29 am
It takes time! Get up and walk, you will have several things happening to you!
Mrs.A
Jul 15, 2018 7:28 pm
Hi Melissa,
Welcome to the forum. Abe is right as it will take time for you to find out what causes gas from what food you eat. A week is such a short time to do much besides heal. What about an over the counter medication like Gas-X or something like it? Gas can come from just taking in too much air from using a straw. There is much information on the site for you to read from past posts. I found keeping a food diary helped me know what gave me issues. Chewing your food very well is the best thing, but it won't stop gas.
freedancer
Jul 18, 2018 12:07 am
Yes! Walking is a very good healing process. The stronger you get, the better it heals and the faster it heals. My redo surgery took a little longer to heal staples-wise, but I forced myself out of bed and started walking as soon as I was able. I got off that pain med real quick as well.