This topic is about someone who is dealing with a severe health flare-up while on strict bed rest. They are experiencing various challenges and are seeking advice on how to cope with them. Here are some insights and suggestions that might help:

1. Body Position
- Lying on the left side can be more comfortable because it helps with digestion by keeping body weight off inflamed areas and using gravity to move food through. However, some people find relief on the right side, so it's worth experimenting to find what works best for you.

2. High Output Despite Eating Little
- Drinking tea and certain juices, like blueberry juice, can increase output. If this is a concern, try limiting these beverages. Without a large intestine, fluids aren't reabsorbed, making the output seem larger. A partial blockage might also cause new food to push out older stool, increasing the perceived volume.

3. Gas Control
- An empty stomach can produce gas, so snacking on starches like Ritz or rice crackers might help reduce it. Swallowed air from night-time gulping, high CPAP machine settings, or anxiety can add to gas. Adjusting CPAP pressure or using anti-anxiety medication has helped some people. Regularly "burping" the pouch is normal and helps prevent it from ballooning.

4. Steroids
- Steroids can cause cravings, increased appetite, mood swings, body aches, and withdrawal symptoms when tapering. Monitoring electrolytes can be helpful, as intense cravings for pickles might indicate low levels. It's important to taper steroids under medical supervision to avoid complications.

5. Pain and Medication
- If severe pain persists, consider visiting the ER. Some have found that switching from tablets to liquid pain relief or morphine can be more effective, especially if tablets appear intact in the pouch.

6. Food Ideas to Manage Output and Cravings
- Rice crackers can help thicken output. Small servings of protein like steak or veal are okay, but try to maintain balanced nutrition to avoid weight gain. Nutrient-dense shakes twice a day have helped some people feel satisfied and boost their energy.

7. Entertainment and Mental Health
- Joining Ravelry.com can provide access to numerous crochet and knitting patterns, which can be a great way to pass the time during long hours of bed rest. A calming tea ritual can also provide mild gut stimulation and relaxation.

8. When to Seek Help
- If you experience rapidly worsening pain, unmanageable output, or uncontrolled symptoms, it's important to contact your GI team or visit the emergency room.