Topic Explanation:
The discussion revolves around dealing with pain associated with an ileostomy, specifically when complications arise due to an artery issue in the stomach. The original poster mentions experiencing significant pain on the ileostomy side (not the stoma side) and difficulties with digestion, which are exacerbated by their condition of Chronic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) and a lean physique.
Advice and Helpful Insights:
1. Consultation with Healthcare Professionals:
- It's recommended to speak with a stoma nurse and see a dietician if you haven't already, to address the specific dietary needs and challenges associated with your condition.
- Inform your medical team about the severity of your pain and digestive issues; they might need to adjust your treatment plan based on your feedback.
2. Dietary Adjustments and Nutrition:
- Consider whether both solid and liquid foods are causing digestive problems. This can help tailor dietary recommendations more effectively.
- Utilize nutritional supplements or build-up drinks to maintain energy and possibly help with weight gain. Products like Fortisip, a high-energy nutritional supplement, are mentioned as beneficial.
- If traditional feeding is problematic, Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) might be a viable option to consider, especially if your nutrition is severely compromised.
- A low residue diet, supplemented with nutritional drinks like Ensure, could be an alternative to consider if TPN is not preferred or recommended by your doctor.
3. Pain Management:
- Pain management might include medications; however, the use of opioids like oxycodone is noted, with a caution regarding potential side effects like constipation. The decision to use such medications should weigh their benefits in pain relief against their side effects.
- Chronic pain management is crucial, and ongoing communication with healthcare providers about the effectiveness of your pain management strategy is important.
4. Emotional Support and Community Interaction:
- Engaging with support forums and communities can provide emotional support and practical advice from others who have faced similar health challenges.
- Sharing your experiences and updates can help in receiving targeted advice and encouragement from peers who understand the specific challenges associated with ostomy and related health issues.
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