When dealing with an ostomy, one of the challenges can be managing the consistency of stoma output. This can vary from thick, pancake-like stool to watery liquid, which can be concerning, especially if it leads to leaks. If you've recently added new vitamin supplements like A, D, Quercetin, and Zinc, or tried a non-constipating iron supplement, these might be influencing your output. Here are some strategies to help you achieve a more consistent, medium-thick output:

1. Consider stopping or reducing the new vitamins and then reintroduce them one at a time. This way, you can observe how each one affects your output before adding the next.

2. Keep a detailed diary of your food and drink intake, noting the time, portion size, and the resulting output. Over a few weeks, you might notice patterns that can help you adjust your diet and timing to achieve the desired consistency. A small notepad can be handy for recording this information when you're out and about.

3. Use specific foods and beverages to adjust the thickness of your output:
- Potatoes, in any form, including potato chips, can help thicken stool.
- Carbonated soft drinks can loosen output. If you prefer, whiskey mixed with pop can have the same effect.

4. Manage your liquid intake to control output at critical times. For example, limiting fluids before a pouch change can help keep the stoma quieter.

5. Be patient and expect some fluctuations as your body heals. Many people find that their output stabilizes only after several months, so patience and experimentation are important.

6. Some people prefer rapid, large-volume emptying because it is often followed by 24–36 hours of minimal output. Your experience may vary, and it's about finding what works best for you.

7. If you use irrigation and experience unpredictable consistency, you might need to switch from stoma plugs back to bags until things normalize. Remember, you're not alone in facing these changes.