Topic Explanation:
The discussion in the forum revolves around seeking relief from severe stoma pain and care tips for managing an ileostomy. The original poster, Chelle, describes experiencing watery and acidic output from her ileostomy, which has been consistent despite attempts to thicken it. Recently, the stoma has become painful and bloody, prompting a search for products that could alleviate the pain directly on the stoma, rather than just around it. Chelle expresses frustration with the delay in receiving professional medical advice and seeks immediate solutions from the forum community.
Extracted Advice and Helpful Insights:
1. Dietary Adjustments:
- Consume carbohydrates like pasta and potatoes to help thicken the ileostomy output.
2. Medical Consultation and Emergency Care:
- If experiencing severe pain and unusual symptoms like bleeding from the stoma, it is advised to visit the Emergency Room (ER) or contact a doctor immediately to determine the underlying cause.
- Consult with a stoma care nurse to assess the situation and recommend appropriate management strategies.
3. Potential Causes and Solutions for Stoma Pain:
- Ensure the ostomy appliance fits properly to avoid friction and irritation on the stoma.
- Possible reasons for a burning sensation on the stoma could include poorly fitting appliances, stoma prolapse, stoma granuloma, chemical irritation from certain medications or foods, or a rare stoma infection.
- Regularly monitor the consistency and volume of stoma output and discuss any changes with a healthcare provider.
- Clean the stoma gently with warm water and mild soap, avoiding harsh chemicals.
- Consider trying different types of pouches or barriers as suggested by a healthcare provider.
4. Misconceptions and Clarifications:
- It is a common misconception that the stoma has no nerve endings. While standard pain receptor nerve endings are missing, the intestines, including the stoma, do contain a significant number of nerves. Some individuals may experience pain due to this nerve presence.
5. Personal Experience and Self-Management:
- Chelle discovered that some output had gotten under the paste, causing referred pain at the top of the stoma. This highlights the importance of careful management of the ostomy appliance and being attentive to changes or issues with its placement and sealing.
6. Avoiding Acidic Foods:
- Limit intake of acidic foods and drinks to prevent irritation to
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