This topic is about dealing with a stoma that hasn't started working yet after surgery. The person is six days post-colectomy and still in the hospital, feeling anxious because their stoma hasn't produced any output. Although the hospital staff has reassured them that this can be normal, they are looking for advice or effective laxatives from others who have experienced similar situations.

Here are some helpful tips and insights:

1. Trust the hospital staff to manage the situation. Avoid taking additional laxatives unless they are specifically prescribed by your surgical team.

2. It's common for there to be no output for 2–3 days after surgery. While six days is longer than usual, it can still be within the range of post-anesthesia ileus. Make sure to report any pain or discomfort to your doctors immediately.

3. Signs that your bowel is starting to function again include passing gas and being able to eat normal-sized meals without vomiting.

4. There are non-medication ways to help stimulate your gut:
- Try to walk frequently or at least get out of bed to sit or stand as much as possible.
- If allowed, chew gum.
- Drink plenty of fluids as advised by your healthcare team.

5. Staying inactive can lead to ileus, and some people have needed nasogastric (N-G) tubes when their gut motility didn't return. Early movement can help resolve this issue.

6. Before you leave the hospital, make sure you receive thorough instructions on stoma care, get a good supply of pouches and accessories to start with, and have written instructions and contacts for obtaining your main supplies.