This topic is about managing life with a short bowel ostomy, focusing on controlling odor, finding suitable exercises, and handling diet and weight management challenges. Here are some practical tips and insights that might help:
1. For controlling or masking odor during frequent pouch emptying:
- Try flushing the pouch from the tail-end with tap water each time you empty it. Swish out all the contents and then add a couple of drops of liquid deodorizer. This can significantly reduce any lingering smell.
2. When it comes to safe forms of exercise and fitness:
- Consider Tai Chi as a low-impact, strength-building routine. It's gentle and can be a great option for those new to managing an ostomy.
3. For managing diet and reducing output:
- Experiment with meal timing, especially when planning to be out for long periods. You might skip food until you return home or eat very small amounts with plenty of fluids to minimize the need to empty your pouch in public.
- Test foods one at a time to see how your body reacts. Some people find that milk, eggs, ham, turkey, chicken, wheat bread, spicy dishes, seafood, and fish can quickly fill the pouch or cause gas, so it might be best to consume these when you're near a bathroom.
- High-protein snack bars can be a good source of energy with minimal stool production, which is handy when traveling or socializing.
4. A general reminder:
- Everyone's tolerance to different foods can vary, so keeping a personal food journal can help you identify triggers and safe options. This way, you can tailor your diet to what works best for you.
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