Question: How can adhesions causing watery output be treated?
Answer: Based on discussions from the MeetAnOstoMate Forum, managing adhesions in individuals with an ostomy who experience high water output involves several strategies:
1. **Medical Consultation and Surgery:**
- Consult with healthcare professionals, particularly those experienced in managing ostomies and adhesions. A surgeon may consider resection surgery to remove adhesions if they are causing significant complications.
- Be cautious with repeated surgeries, as they can lead to more adhesions. Thoroughly research and seek multiple opinions before deciding on surgical intervention.
2. **Dietary Adjustments:**
- Adjust your diet to manage high output. Foods that can help thicken output include bananas, potatoes, pasta, and marshmallows. Avoid foods that may exacerbate output, such as high-fiber vegetables and certain dairy products if lactose intolerant.
- Chew food thoroughly and consider eating smaller, more frequent meals to aid digestion and reduce output volume.
3. **Hydration and Electrolyte Management:**
- Stay hydrated with electrolyte-rich fluids rather than plain water to prevent dehydration. Drinks like Gatorade or homemade electrolyte solutions can be beneficial.
- Monitor and adjust fluid intake to maintain a balance that prevents dehydration without increasing output.
4. **Medication and Supplements:**
- Medications like loperamide (Imodium) can help slow down bowel movements and reduce output. Consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate dosage and use.
- Consider using fiber supplements like psyllium husk to help bulk up the stool, but be cautious as they can increase output volume if not managed properly.
5. **Lifestyle and Support:**
- Engage with support groups and forums to share experiences and learn from others facing similar challenges. Emotional and practical support can be invaluable.
- Regularly consult with a stoma nurse or dietitian to tailor a management plan that suits your specific needs and health conditions.
6. **Monitoring and Adaptation:**
- Keep a food diary to track intake and correlate it with output types and volume. This can help identify triggers and effective dietary adjustments.
- Be vigilant for signs of complications such as blockages or severe dehydration, and seek medical attention promptly if they occur.
These strategies, combined with professional medical advice, can help manage adhesions and high output in ostomy patients. For personalized advice, consider posting your question in the MeetAnOstoMate Discussion Forum to gather insights from others with similar experiences.
Check out these links for more information:
- Seeking suggestions for managing high output from ostomies (September 15, 2011)
- High output and watery output after ileostomy surgery - seeking advice and experiences (November 07, 2020)
- Adhesion pain post colostomy surgery - seeking advice (January 10, 2012)
- High Stoma Output After Surgery - Seeking Advice and Support (November 12, 2023)
- Managing High Output Stomas - Seeking Advice and Tips (July 22, 2019)
- Managing High Ileostomy Output and Activity Impact (November 17, 2024)
- Seeking Advice on Living with a Colostomy Bag (November 18, 2010)
- Managing High Output Variability with an Ileostomy (June 24, 2024)
- Need advice on managing high output stoma in 12-year-old (September 10, 2018)
- Ileostomy blockage - Seeking advice on managing scar tissue and adhesions (January 05, 2020)
