This topic is about dealing with unexplained blockages in an ileostomy, which can be quite distressing. The person sharing their experience had a sudden blockage without any changes in their diet or activity, leading to severe pain and a trip to the emergency room. Although a CT scan showed no clear obstruction, the blockage resolved after taking an oral contrast. Here are some helpful insights and advice for managing and preventing such situations:

1. Be cautious with certain foods that are known to cause blockages, such as mushrooms, dried fruits, corn, popcorn, nuts, seeds, fruit and vegetable skins, olives, onions, bean sprouts, steak, and fibrous or sticky foods like peanut butter and cheese. Introduce these foods slowly and in small amounts, ensuring they are well-chewed or cooked to softness.

2. Chew your food thoroughly, eat slowly, and keep your meal portions small. It's safer to have multiple small meals rather than one large meal.

3. Stay well-hydrated, as dehydration can thicken the output and lead to blockages. This is especially important if you have long work shifts or wear a mask for extended periods.

4. Keep "Drano" drinks like regular Coca-Cola on hand, as they can help break early blockages. Other options include fizzy or sweet drinks, prune juice, warm peppermint tea, regular tea, and V-8 juice. If these don't work, hospital-grade purgatives might be necessary.

5. Use heat and movement to help relax the bowel and shift obstructions. A medium-heat heating pad or hot-water bottle on the abdomen, along with walking, gentle belly massage, and positional changes, can be beneficial.

6. Consider mechanical aids like gentle finger insertion or using a catheter to clear a blockage and prevent the stoma from narrowing. Routine self-dilation might help prevent future blockages.

7. Be aware of red flags such as persistent severe pain, no output, projectile vomiting, or abdominal/back pain. These symptoms require prompt medical attention to avoid complications.

8. After a blockage, start with liquids or very soft foods and maintain high fluid intake. Over-the-counter pain relief, if approved by a doctor, can help with discomfort.

9. Discuss potential underlying causes with your doctor, such as adhesions, kinks, strictures, or a shrinking stoma opening. It's important to have a skilled radiologist review any CT scans.

10. If blockages become frequent or the stoma continues to shrink, surgical options like converting a loop ileostomy to an end ileostomy or addressing adhesions might be considered.

11. If you need to pause solid food intake, consider high-calorie drinks like Ensure to maintain your strength.