Topic Explanation

The discussion centers around dealing with dehydration following the removal of a J pouch and the transition back to an ileostomy. The original poster had their J pouch removed due to frequent pouchitis, and since the surgery, they have experienced high output from their stoma, leading to severe dehydration. This has resulted in multiple hospital visits for IV fluids. The poster is seeking advice from others who have experienced similar issues with dehydration after such surgeries.

Advice and Insights

1. Electrolyte Intake:
- It is crucial to consume electrolytes along with water to prevent dehydration. Drinking only water can wash out necessary electrolytes, exacerbating dehydration.
- Suggested drinks include sports drinks like Gfit, Pedialyte, or sugar-free electrolyte replenishing drinks.

2. Fluid Management:
- Avoid beverages that can increase dehydration, such as tea, coffee, fizzy drinks, plain water, and fruit juices.
- Consider drinking powdered water with "liquid i.v." to maintain hydration.

3. Medication:
- Imodium and Lomotil can be used to slow down the output from the stoma, which may help in managing dehydration.
- Psyllium husk is also mentioned as part of the regimen to manage output.

4. Awareness and Monitoring:
- Be aware that without a large intestine, the body is more prone to dehydration, and constant monitoring is necessary.
- Chronic dehydration can lead to serious conditions like chronic kidney disease, so it is important to manage hydration carefully.

5. Personal Experiences:
- Several participants shared their experiences with dehydration and the importance of managing it to avoid severe health issues.
- Some have developed chronic kidney disease due to repeated dehydration episodes, highlighting the seriousness of the issue.

6. Additional Considerations:
- The possibility of having Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS) was mentioned, which complicates fluid and nutrient absorption, requiring more aggressive management strategies.