The topic is about a person with a loop ileostomy who is experiencing green output and mild abdominal pain. They are seeking advice from others with similar experiences to understand if this is a cause for concern. Here are some insights and advice shared by others:
1. A loop ileostomy has an additional opening for a future reversal, but only the main stoma produces output.
2. Green output can sometimes be due to bile, especially if food moves quickly through the gut or if the gut is relatively empty. This is common in the morning or during a stomach bug.
3. If you consume concentrated vegetable drinks or powders, green output might just be a harmless result of your diet.
4. If the green output persists and is accompanied by ongoing or worsening pain, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. A gastroenterologist is often more suitable for functional issues than a surgeon or general practitioner.
5. Some long-term ileostomates have found that recurrent green, watery output along with loud gas can indicate IBS-type problems, which may be exacerbated by the loss of colonic enzymes.
- A low-FODMAP diet, which avoids certain artificial sweeteners, fruits, vegetables, garlic, onion, and soft cheeses, can help reduce gas, diarrhea, and bile-colored output.
- It's important to identify personal trigger foods, reintroduce them cautiously, and be prepared for occasional flares if you indulge.
6. Staying hydrated is crucial, as dehydration from high-output or diarrhea is more concerning than changes in output color.
7. Some ostomates use the probiotic VSL#3 to maintain a balance of bowel bacteria and reduce output issues. It is also used in managing ulcerative colitis.
8. Supplements like Miralax, psyllium, and other fibers can cause abdominal pain or excess gas in some people with ileostomies. If you experience pain, it might be best to stop using them and consult a doctor.
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