Topic Explanation:
The forum topic is about managing liquid intake with an ileostomy. The user had an ileostomy in November and has been experiencing leaks, possibly due to the recommended 8-10 glasses of liquid intake, mostly water, but not around meals. The user is seeking advice to resolve this issue.
Advice and Insights:
- Consider drinking isotonic drinks like Lucozade Sport or Diarolyte to replenish electrolytes lost with high output.
- Monitor B12 levels as people with ileostomies may not absorb B12 properly and could become deficient over time.
- Some users take B12 sublingual vitamins and potassium micro K to manage their health.
- Experiment with a variety of drinks such as coffee, Gatorade, lactose-free milk, green tea, V-8 juice, water, and occasional cold beer.
- Use convex wafers or convex rings to manage leaks.
- Consider using electrolyte tablets, powder, or pre-mixed drinks to replenish electrolytes.
- If experiencing frequent pouch failures, consider changes in body physiology and try different pouches.
Helpful Insights:
- Drinking a lot of liquid may cause watery output and lead to leaks.
- It's important to find a good fit for the pouch to minimize leaks.
- Regularly monitor B12 levels and consider supplementation if necessary.
- Electrolyte replenishment is crucial for those with an ileostomy.
- Experiment with different drinks and find what works best for individual needs.
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