This topic is about managing irregular output patterns after getting a new colostomy. The person who started the discussion is experiencing a cycle where they have no output for 2-3 days, followed by several days of very heavy, watery output. After this, the output thickens, becomes pellet-like, and then stops again. They are curious if this could be due to ongoing diverticulitis, IBS, or something else, and are seeking advice.
Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:
1. The pattern described does not seem to match typical diverticulitis symptoms. Diverticulitis usually involves:
- Severe and unmistakable abdominal pain.
- A significant loss of appetite, making eating difficult.
- Possible hospitalization, IV antibiotics, fever, and an elevated white blood-cell count.
- Some members shared personal experiences with severe cases to highlight the differences.
2. The irregular output pattern might be more similar to common post-colostomy irregularity or IBS-type cycling. This often involves a large "clean-out" period followed by reduced output for a day or two.
3. A practical takeaway is that if there is no pain, fever, or signs of systemic illness, the pattern is likely normal or related to IBS rather than diverticulitis.
Additionally, the person noted that after adjusting the position of the paste adhesive on the stoma, their output became more regular. This suggests that stoma care and appliance positioning can significantly impact output patterns.
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