To Harry A, You write that you're sick every few days, but don't explain what's going on. ARe you throwing up? or developing loose stools, or pain.. There could be many different reasons. First of course is to check with your doctor to make sure all the plumbing is working as it should. Second, is going back to a very basic diet....of easy to digest food, and ( potato , bread, eggs, etc) then add one food at a time. Dehydration is an issue for many people, and despite drinking about a gallon of water during the day, I can' still get dehydrated.. If the output is very liquid, you need to drink even more. I gave up " ice" for room temp water, so I can " chug more". Make sure to check the waffer/ flange you're wearing, to make sure that nothing is hurting the stoma... Unless you have another intestinal condition, the kind of pain you describe is not the norm.. My suspicion would be food, possibly backing up, and causing a blockage... which can lead to dehydration. Keep a food diary, and see if you can pin it down. Best of luck. Marsha