This topic is about dealing with continuous clear output from a colostomy after resolving constipation. The person sharing their experience has had a colostomy for many years and recently faced constipation, which led to an enlarged stoma. After making some changes, like enlarging the appliance opening, increasing fiber intake, and drinking more water, normal stool returned. However, they then experienced almost nonstop drainage of a clear, gold-colored liquid from the stoma, separate from the solid stool. They are seeking advice on how to manage or reduce this fluid.
Here are some helpful insights and advice:
1. Consider seeking a professional assessment from a colorectal surgeon or ostomy nurse. Persistent clear fluid, unusual color, or sudden changes in output can sometimes indicate a medical issue.
2. If constipation or blockage is suspected, it might be wise to discontinue or avoid loperamide. This medication slows bowel motility and could potentially worsen impaction.
3. Be cautious with large, rapid changes in diet, such as increasing fiber and water intake, along with medication adjustments. These can lead to unpredictable changes in stool consistency. It might be beneficial to gradually return to your previous routine under medical guidance.
4. Continuous liquid output can be normal for some colostomy or ileostomy users. Attempts to thicken the output through diet modification or medications do not always succeed.
5. Consider ruling out possibilities such as partial blockage or "overflow" constipation, where liquid bypasses a solid impaction, and bile or other digestive secretions that might contribute to the gold color.
6. If overflow is confirmed, clinicians may relieve it with an enema or other interventions.
7. For those who must live with liquid output, options are limited. Experimenting with diet to thicken the effluent and ensuring adequate hydration are key strategies.
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