This topic is about the curious situation where an ostomy seems to be functioning normally, even when there is a blockage. The person who started the discussion has experienced this twice, where everything seemed fine, but a blockage was later confirmed. They are reaching out to see if others have had similar experiences. Here are some insights and advice shared by others:

1. The stoma can suddenly become very swollen or prolapsed, then return to normal size, while the output remains normal. This can happen repeatedly until a mass of hard, older stool finally exits.

2. Liquids do not seem to help in these cases, as the output continues to flow around the hard plug.

3. The person has already adjusted their diet to exclude hard-to-digest foods and meat.

4. They are not looking for medical advice, just wondering if others have experienced the same pattern.

5. They do not believe a narrowing (stricture) is involved and have little confidence in local stoma-nursing support.

Advice and insights from others include:

- Carefully monitor the stoma's size, color, and activity, as this can help detect blockages before serious symptoms appear.

- Blockages might show signs like the stoma suddenly enlarging or prolapsing, clear watery output with little fecal matter, or abdominal bloating without severe pain.

- Possible causes of blockages could be a parastomal hernia, muscular constriction at the stoma outlet, internal scar tissue, or Crohn’s-related strictures.

- Some have found that gentle internal palpation or using a generic stoma plug as a dilator can help train the tight muscle ring and reduce repeated blockages.

- Drinking full glasses of fluids, rather than sips, can sometimes help flush minor obstructions, especially with ileostomies.

- Thorough chewing and cautious introduction of new or fibrous foods are standard preventive measures, as occasional build-up of hard stool is fairly common.

- If these episodes persist or worsen, it is recommended to seek professional evaluation from a stoma nurse or surgeon to assess for strictures, hernias, or consider a temporary stent.

- During a true blockage, watch for signs of dehydration like vomiting or weakness, and seek urgent care if there is pain, no output, or severe swelling.