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Aug 26, 2024

Dealing with Blockages and Hernias: Dietary Advice Needed

This topic is about managing some common challenges faced by people with an ostomy, specifically focusing on blockages, hernias, and small amounts of stool in the pouch. Here are some practical tips and advice to help navigate these issues:

1. For general dietary guidance, you can visit www.ostomy.org, which offers comprehensive dietary guidelines specifically for ostomates.

2. To clear an established blockage:
- Consider using an over-the-counter osmotic laxative like Miralax (polyethylene glycol 3350). A suggested protocol from a GI specialist is to take a double dose and wait up to 12 hours. If there's no relief, you can repeat with another double dose. One person found that a single double dose resolved a 9-day blockage.
- Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as dehydration can worsen blockages.
- Gentle movement or changing positions can help resolve minor blockages.
- Seek emergency care if you experience severe pain, vomiting, very watery output, and signs of dehydration.

3. To prevent blockages:
- Eat small, frequent meals instead of large ones.
- Maintain a high fluid intake throughout the day.
- Include fruits and vegetables in every meal, as adequate fiber can actually decrease diarrhea for some people.
- Identify and limit foods that trigger issues for you; greasy foods and alcohol are common culprits that can complicate obstruction issues.

4. For managing or avoiding parastomal hernias:
- Limit heavy lifting, as even minor strains from activities like coughing or sneezing can contribute to hernias.
- If you already have a hernia, avoid exercises that engage the core or abdominal muscles.
- Use proper body mechanics and consider wearing support garments when lifting light objects.

5. Regarding "small sacs of stool":
- If this refers to diverticula, consult your doctor for confirmation and management.
- If it refers to small amounts of output in the pouch, it's okay to wait until about 100 cc accumulates before emptying; you don't need to empty at the first sign of stool.
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