Topic Explanation:
The discussion revolves around the frequency of pouch emptying for ostomates, both during the day and at night. The original poster is a new ostomate seeking advice on how often others empty their pouches, particularly from 7 am to 7 pm and 7 pm to 7 am. They are also concerned about how to prevent the pouch from getting too full and potentially bursting during sleep.
Advice and Insights:
- Frequency of Emptying (Daytime):
1. Ileostomy patients generally empty their pouches more frequently, often every 2-3 hours, depending on diet and stoma behavior.
2. Colostomy patients may empty less frequently, with some reporting emptying once or twice during the day, depending on their diet and output patterns.
3. Some people empty their pouches out of convenience, such as before leaving home or work, even if the pouch isn't full.
4. For those with short bowel syndrome, output can be more frequent and less predictable, requiring more frequent emptying.
- Frequency of Emptying (Nighttime):
1. Many ileostomy patients report waking up at least once during the night to empty their pouch, often around 3 am.
2. Some people set alarms to wake up every 2-3 hours to prevent the pouch from getting too full and bursting.
3. Colostomy patients may not need to empty their pouches at night as frequently, but this varies based on individual output patterns.
4. Some people use high-output pouches at night to reduce the risk of leaks or blowouts and allow for uninterrupted sleep.
- Diet and Output Control:
1. Diet plays a significant role in output frequency and consistency. Whole foods and fiber can reduce output, while processed foods and sugars can increase it.
2. Foods like marshmallows, bananas, applesauce, rice, and potatoes can help thicken output and slow it down.
3. Some people avoid eating after 4-6 pm to reduce nighttime output.
4. A carnivore diet has been reported to reduce output and prevent nighttime ballooning of the pouch.
5. Loperamide (Imodium) and fiber supplements like Benefiber can help slow down output and thicken it.
- Managing Nighttime Output:
1. Limiting
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