This topic is about a person who recently had a loop colostomy due to Crohn’s disease and is experiencing severe episodic pain and high ostomy output. Here’s a breakdown of the situation and some helpful advice:

- The person is seven weeks post-surgery and has had four episodes of intense abdominal cramping, rated as 10 out of 10 in severity, along with very high ostomy output.
- The pain does not occur when only small amounts of stool are passed, and there is some relief after evacuating rectal mucus.
- During these episodes, the output starts thick and quickly becomes thin and watery.
- The pain is not constant but occurs in episodes, unlike past experiences with continuous pain from blockages.
- The person plans to see a doctor soon but is confused by this new pattern of symptoms.

Here are some pieces of advice and insights that might be helpful:

1. It is important to consult a gastroenterologist promptly or go to a hospital emergency department, as severe pain like this requires immediate professional evaluation.
2. These episodes might be caused by a partial intestinal blockage. Trapped stool or undigested food can create pressure, leading to severe cramping. Relief often follows when the obstruction clears, resulting in a surge of thick-to-thin output that may need several pouch emptyings.
3. This pattern of pain, followed by thick and then watery output, is common among people with ostomies when a minor blockage or poorly flowing food passes. The frequency and severity can vary from person to person.
4. At seven weeks post-surgery, the abdomen is still healing and adjusting, so sporadic high-output events can occur during this time.
5. It is advisable to follow a low-residue diet until fully healed. Eating high-fiber or bulky foods too soon can thicken the output and increase the risk of blockages.
6. Over time, patients learn to recognize early signs of blockages and adjust their diet or hydration accordingly. However, new ostomates should seek medical evaluation for any severe or unfamiliar symptoms.