This topic is about a caregiver's concerns for a patient who had emergency colon surgery and now has a temporary ileostomy. Three months after the operation, the patient is experiencing fatigue, abdominal pain, gas, and shivers. The caregiver is seeking advice and insights from others who might have faced similar situations.
Here are some helpful points to consider:
1. If the patient experiences new or worsening pain, shivers, or other unexpected symptoms, it's important to seek professional medical evaluation. This can help rule out issues like obstruction, electrolyte imbalance, infection, or other complications.
2. Gas-related discomfort is quite common for people with an ileostomy, especially at night or after not eating for a while.
3. For dietary management:
- Try to identify foods and drinks that produce gas by keeping a food and symptom journal.
- Chew food thoroughly and avoid habits that cause swallowing air, such as drinking through straws or chewing gum.
4. Over-the-counter options like Gas-X (simethicone) can help reduce intestinal gas pain.
5. For managing excess gas with the ostomy appliance:
- Consider using larger-capacity pouches or those with vents.
- Wearing an irrigation sleeve overnight can provide extra space for gas.
6. Lifestyle tips:
- Experiment to find what works best for the individual, as everyone’s output and gas patterns are different.
- Managing anxiety and stress is important, as they can worsen gut symptoms.
7. Shivering without a fever can be linked to various issues such as thyroid problems, medication withdrawal (like opioids), viral illnesses, or infections. If shivering continues, consulting a physician is advisable.
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