This topic is about someone who recently had surgery to remove a small-intestine stricture and now has a temporary ileostomy due to Crohn’s disease. They are experiencing some challenges with their recovery, particularly with managing high output from the ileostomy and low potassium levels. Here are some of the key points and advice shared:

- The person is experiencing a high output from their ileostomy, with more than 1 liter per day, and sometimes as much as 1.5 liters.
- They are dealing with low potassium and magnesium levels, which are temporarily corrected with IV supplements but tend to drop again overnight.
- Their current medication includes steroids, liquid Imodium (equivalent to 8 tablets a day), a proton-pump inhibitor, and IV potassium/magnesium.
- They are following a low-residue diet and taking small sips of water throughout the day.
- Being pregnant, they are eager to be discharged from the hospital.

The person is seeking advice on several points:

1. Whether psyllium seed could help thicken the output.
2. If eating marshmallows or jellies before meals or spacing them throughout the day would be beneficial.
3. Whether stopping proton-pump inhibitors might improve digestion.
4. Other ways to slow down the output.

Additional concerns include:

- Whether potassium supplements might be contributing to diarrhea.
- The doctor suggested switching from high-dose Imodium to codeine phosphate, but there are concerns about the safety of this medication during pregnancy.
- There is hope that the situation will improve on its own, but there is discouragement due to the lack of improvement after nearly two weeks.

Advice and insights offered include:

- Healing after major abdominal surgery can take time, and it may take several weeks for the output to stabilize.
- It’s important to check with the medical team about the possibility of increasing the Imodium dose and ensuring its safety during pregnancy.
- In some cases, doctors may prescribe opium-based medications to slow bowel movements, but the safety of these during pregnancy should be discussed with both an obstetrician and a gastroenterologist.
- Maintaining fluid intake is crucial to avoid dehydration, and oral rehydration solutions can be used if approved by the healthcare team.
- Continuing potassium replacement is important, and working with a dietitian to incorporate potassium-rich foods, like bananas, if they are tolerated, can be beneficial.