This topic is about dealing with intermittent stoma output, low food intake, and concerns about pancaking. The person sharing their experience sometimes goes a whole day without any stoma output and usually eats just one small meal a day, with maybe a light snack like toast. They have had issues with pancaking, but their doctor recommended using ClearLax, which helps most of the time.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. Intermittent output is common for some people:
- It can happen after taking Imodium for diarrhea.
- Some people experience 24- to 36-hour gaps in output, followed by a large release.
- One person manages irregular flow with nightly colostomy irrigation.

2. When to be concerned:
- A surgeon advises calling if there is no output for 24 hours to rule out obstruction.
- If there is no pain or discomfort, it usually suggests no immediate problem, but it's good to be cautious.

3. Laxative and softener options:
- ClearLax is already being used by the person sharing their experience.
- Another product, Laxaday, is used occasionally by someone else when output stops.

4. Connection between food intake and output:
- Eating very little naturally reduces output volume.
- One person with an ileostomy suggests aiming for 5 small meals plus snacks to keep digestion moving.

5. Tips to prevent pancaking:
- After emptying the pouch, leave a little air in it to prevent the sides from sticking together.
- Rinse the pouch daily with warm water and a few drops of baby oil to help stool slide easily.
- Moving around can help, as pancaking tends to be worse when lying or sitting for long periods.

6. Typical output patterns shared by others:
- Some people empty their pouch three times a day under normal circumstances.
- Others experience a dry spell followed by a surge, which they consider normal for them.