High Liquid Output with Ileostomy: When to Seek Medical Help?

The discussion centers around a person who is four weeks post-ileostomy surgery and experiencing increased liquid output, approximately 2 liters in 10 hours, with accompanying nausea but no pain. The individual has stopped eating solids and increased their intake of electrolytes, tea, and water. They are seeking advice on whether this could be a stomach bug and when to seek medical help.

Advice and Insights:

1. Consider using Loperamide (Immodium) to slow down the output. It can help manage high liquid output.

2. Eating certain foods can help thicken the output. Suggestions include bananas, marshmallows, applesauce, potatoes without skins, rice, mashed potatoes, crackers, and toast.

3. Avoid switching to a liquid diet as it may worsen the situation. Eating small portions of solid foods several times a day can be beneficial.

4. Increase intake of Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) to maintain proper hydration. These solutions have the correct ratio of sodium to glucose to water, which helps the small bowel absorb fluids.

5. Be cautious with the intake of sweet or salty drinks as they can lead to dehydration by pulling water from the body.

6. If nausea persists or if there are symptoms like blackouts, seek urgent medical attention.

7. Contact your surgeon or ostomy nurse if the condition does not improve or if there are concerns about the changes in output.

8. Be aware that certain foods and drinks, such as tea, coffee, and wine, can increase liquid output.

9. Understand that the body is still adjusting post-surgery, and it may take time for the small intestine to adapt to its new role in digestion.

10. Monitor for dehydration and ensure adequate electrolyte intake, as dehydration is a common concern with ileostomies.

11. If the condition does not improve or if there are concerns, visiting the ER for a check-up is advisable, especially if the surgery was recent.