Topic Explanation:
The discussion revolves around seeking advice for unexplained ileostomy blockages. The original poster, Terry, shares a recent experience of severe pain due to a blockage in their ileostomy, which led to an emergency room visit. Despite various attempts and medical interventions, the exact cause of the blockage remains unclear. Terry is looking for advice and personal experiences from others with ileostomies to prevent future incidents and better manage potential blockages.
Extracted Advice and Helpful Insights:
1. Dietary Precautions:
- Avoid foods known to cause blockages such as dried fruits, mushrooms, popcorn, and nuts. These can swell or are difficult to digest fully, potentially leading to blockages.
- Chew food thoroughly and consider avoiding high-risk foods like skins from fruits, olives, onions, and seeds from various fruits and vegetables.
- Some individuals find that certain foods like milk products or V-8 juice can help loosen stool and prevent blockages.
2. Fluid Intake and Types:
- Increase fluid intake, particularly water, to help maintain smooth passage through the intestines.
- Some individuals find relief with fizzy drinks like cola, which might help in breaking down the blockage due to its carbonation and acidic properties. However, this should be used cautiously as it might not work for everyone and could cause discomfort if vomited.
3. Physical Activity and Positioning:
- Engage in gentle physical activity such as walking, which can help move the blockage along due to gravity.
- Experiment with different positions (lying on the back, curling up) to find one that might help alleviate the blockage.
4. Heat Application:
- Applying a heating pad or hot water bottle to the abdomen might help relax muscles and alleviate discomfort. Always use a protective layer like a towel to prevent burns, especially near the stoma area.
5. Medical Tools and Techniques:
- Some individuals use a catheter to gently insert into the stoma to help relieve blockages.
- In cases where the stoma narrows, gentle dilation using specified tools might be recommended by healthcare providers.
6. Monitoring and Immediate Actions:
- Be vigilant about the onset of symptoms like severe pain or changes in output consistency and volume. Early detection can lead to quicker management and prevent severe complications.
- If home remedies do not alleviate symptoms, do not
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