This topic is about finding ways to aid digestion and prevent blockages for people who have lived with an ileostomy for a long time. The person sharing their experience has had an ileostomy for 50 years and has recently faced a few blockages, one of which required a visit to the emergency room. They found relief using Magnesium Citrate but are now seeking a safe, daily solution to help with digestion and prevent future blockages. Here are some helpful insights and advice:
1. While Magnesium Citrate helped in an emergency, it's generally not recommended for regular use with an ileostomy. If blockages are becoming more frequent, it's important to seek medical advice rather than self-treat.
2. Over time, physical changes such as adhesions, scar tissue, or a retracted stoma can occur. These might contribute to blockages. Consulting with a colorectal surgeon or gastroenterologist for imaging or scoping can help identify and address these issues.
3. Keeping a detailed food diary can be very helpful. It allows you to track how your body reacts to different foods, as individual tolerance can change over time. This might help identify dietary triggers without needing medication.
4. In a hospital setting, there are alternatives to clear a blockage, such as:
- Gastrografin, an iodine-based oral contrast, which often clears a blockage within hours.
- Clear fruit juice, which can sometimes help shift a partial obstruction.
5. Since ileostomy output is already watery, laxatives are usually avoided. Instead, focus on getting a mechanical or medical evaluation to understand the cause of blockages.
6. Probiotics or acidophilus yogurt, whether store-bought or homemade, might aid overall digestion. For those with rapid transit, blending it with puréed berries can make it easier to consume.
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