This topic is about dealing with frequent night-time emptying for someone who is 8 weeks post-surgery with a new right-sided ileostomy. While daytime output is manageable, they find themselves waking up about four times each night to empty their pouch. They are curious if others have experienced similar issues and are seeking advice.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. It's common for output to decrease over the first few months as the small intestine adjusts. Many people find they need fewer night-time trips after this period.

2. Consider your diet and timing:
- Try to limit how much you eat and drink, especially liquids, fizzy drinks, and "watery" foods, for several hours before bedtime. A common cut-off time is around 6 p.m.
- Avoid carbonated beverages in the evening, as gas can make the pouch feel fuller than it actually is, leading to unnecessary emptying.

3. Think about the size of your appliance:
- Use the largest-capacity ileostomy pouch or a dedicated "high-output" bag while sleeping.
- If you already have the largest pouch available, consider asking for samples of other high-output models from different manufacturers.

4. Explore alternative collection setups:
- Some people attach a urostomy pouch that connects with their barrier and link it to a 3,000 mL bedside urine drainage bag for overnight use. This works best with very liquid output.

5. Manage consistency:
- Products like ileo-gel or gelling sachets can help thicken watery output, reducing the feeling of urgency and the risk of leaks.

6. Address the psychological aspect:
- Fear of leakage can cause unnecessary wake-ups. Confidence usually grows with time and experience.

7. General reassurance:
- Waking multiple times at night is common early on. Many people eventually reduce to one or no night-time emptyings as they adjust.