This topic is about someone experiencing abdominal pain, low ileostomy output, and burping, possibly due to a partial blockage. They are unsure whether to visit the Emergency Room (ER). Here's a summary of their situation and some advice they received:
- The person experienced sudden, intense abdominal pain, reduced ostomy output, and frequent burping after eating candy-coated malted balls, which are high in fiber. They have an unresected mass on their colon.
- To alleviate discomfort, they tried gentle abdominal and stoma massage and sipped liquids constantly. Eventually, about 300 ml of semisolid output appeared, but sipping fluids still caused pain, leaving them uncertain about going to the ER.
- The next morning, following advice from healthcare professionals, they went to the ER. A CT scan showed no current obstruction, but they were admitted for monitoring as they transitioned from liquids to solids.
- While in the hospital, they felt the urge for a bowel movement and passed red-tinged blobs from the rectum, unsure if it was blood or from red foods/drinks like cranberry juice or red Jell-O. They were discharged despite this.
- After discharge, they again passed a small amount of rectal blood or pink fluid and rectal gas, while their ostomy output remained normal. Recent foods included a protein drink, applesauce, a peanut-butter and raspberry-jam sandwich, and a raspberry electrolyte drink.
- They have a follow-up appointment with their surgeon on May 28 and colon surgery scheduled for June 11. They expressed frustration with repeated ER visits and tests but remain spiritually optimistic.
Here are some helpful insights and advice they received:
1. If vomiting starts, pain worsens, or output stops, go to the ER immediately, as there is a risk of a complete blockage and possible need for a nasogastric (NG) tube.
2. Avoid solid food during a suspected blockage; stick to clear liquids like warm chicken broth, warm tea, or a small amount of Coca-Cola to help break up the blockage.
3. Resume solid foods only after symptoms resolve. If there's no improvement within about 24 hours on liquids alone, seek hospital care.
4. Passing some effluent suggests any blockage is partial rather than complete, but caution is still necessary.
5. Frequent or visible rectal bleeding can be explained by the existing colon mass but should still be reported to the surgeon.
6. Before surgery, expect possible flare-ups and odd symptoms. Note them but try not to panic, and inform the surgeon of all new developments.
7. Long-term, be mindful of high-fiber or hard-to-digest foods, like candy-coated malted balls. Introduce them slowly or avoid them if they cause problems.
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