Ileostomy Output Management: How to Slow Things Down

Hi there!

Many of our clients dealing with an ileostomy understand the challenges of having a higher-than-average output. There are days when it feels like your pouch is filling up non-stop! But, there are strategies to help slow down your bowel and make life more manageable. Let's get into it.

Understanding Why: Common Causes of High Output

• Dietary Triggers: Certain foods can speed up your digestion - identify yours and adjust accordingly.
• Dehydration: Make sure you drink enough fluids, especially electrolytes! Dehydration makes your body pull water from your bowel, increasing output.
• Medications: Some medications can impact bowel function - consult your doctor.
• Medical Conditions: Conditions like Crohn's disease or short bowel syndrome require a doctor's attention.

Solutions: What You Can Do

• Food Matters: Try thickening foods like marshmallows, peanut butter, or applesauce before a pouch change. Consider soluble fiber supplements.
• Hydration is Key: Aim for 8-10 glasses of water daily, plus electrolytes if you're active.
• Talk to Your Doctor: They may recommend anti-diarrheal medications like Loperamide (Imodium) or others.

Additional Tips

• Smaller Meals: Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to help with absorption.
• Food Journal: Track what you eat and your output to spot patterns.
• Experiment: We all react differently – find what slows YOUR bowel down with patience.

Important Reminder: It's always best to consult with your doctor or ostomy nurse before making significant dietary changes or taking new medications.

Managing high ileostomy output takes some trial and error, but there are solutions! Don't get discouraged – with the right adjustments and support, you can find strategies that work for you and improve your quality of life.

What are your best tips for managing high output? Share your experiences in the comments to help fellow ostomates!