This topic is about dealing with stoma swelling after experiencing a blockage caused by food, specifically peanuts. The person sharing their experience had a painful blockage but managed to clear it using some home remedies. They are now wondering how long the swelling will last and offer some advice for others who might face a similar situation.
Here are some helpful insights and advice:
1. To clear the blockage, the person drank two large cups of hot tea and plenty of water, lay on their back, pulled their knees to their chest, rocked side-to-side, and massaged the area around the stoma. This helped resume output quickly.
2. After clearing a blockage, the stoma may remain swollen. It's important to cut a larger wafer to accommodate this temporary swelling and prevent constriction.
3. Hard-to-digest foods, like peanuts, can cause blockages. It's best to avoid eating large quantities or ensure they are thoroughly chewed. Some people have shared additional resources on dealing with peanut-related stoma swelling.
4. Swelling might also be due to internal intestinal inflammation or a food allergy, which can mimic a blockage. In such cases, medical treatment might be necessary. Hospital staff may use muscle relaxants and anti-swelling drugs, and oral corticosteroids like prednisone have been reported to help, with stoma size returning to normal about a week after finishing the medication and two more weeks of gradual reduction.
5. Even after a blockage has passed, swelling can last from several days to a few weeks, depending on the cause and whether medication is needed.
6. Be cautious with certain foods. Some people cannot tolerate any peanuts, while others can handle cashews in moderation. A large amount of sweet cherries was reported to loosen the adhesive and detach the wafer from the inside out.
7. A practical tip is to use a larger-opening wafer when your stoma is swollen to prevent constriction and skin injury.
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