how to stimulate appetite

Illlll-eee-ostomy

Re:
" I just got an ileostomy so have dietary restrictions."

I've had an Ileostomy since 2006 (resected and moved 3x since). What "restrictions" were you given? I have none.

The only change an Ileostomate has to adhere to, is to do as "MOM" always told you to do, and chew your food well. Don't swallow anything without chewing it well, and never swallow anything whole.... like a big peanut, or piece of broccoli stem.

Foodstuff that does not normally dissolve in your digestive tract can be a problem if not chewed into small, tiny pieces.

Why? Well..... your intestine usually expands to accommodate anything attempting to pass through; it's amazing how big things can be and still go all the way through the intestine! But an Ostomy is formed by taking a section out of your body, turning the intestine inside-out and sewing it to your outer skin. (the inside of the intestine is impervious to the acid in the intestine, the outside isn't).

With an ostomy, the intestine is brought out through your side and not conforming to the downward flow to it's exit as it normally does). The food product (waste) now exits your body at a 90 degree angle, and through a more restrictive opening than it's normal exit (down there). The skin around the stoma (peristomal area) can expand, but it's not as tolerant and does not expand as much as your intestinal parts.

So a large chunk of food can become unable to exit the stoma due to the above reasons. Chew well and you avoid the problem. It really is that simple.

Foods and drinks of high sugar can cause a much more liquid output, but it's not to avoid them, just know the consequences of over indulgence.

The output of the Ileostomy is normally the consistency of gravy. The liquid is absorbed throughout your tract, with the colon taking the last amount out. You're missing the colon, so you'll have a more liquid output. It's normal.

And when they give you an Ileostomy, they remove the Ileocecal valve. The valve is between the Ileum and the colon. It stops the back flow of waste in the colon from getting back into the small intestine. It also helps regulate the flow of waste. Your brain will close the valve to make sure the small intestine is absorbing what it needs to absorb. Without the Ileocecal valve, the flow is unrestricted and everything goes non-stop into the stoma appliance.

Your hydration can become a problem, since ingesting more liquid will make for a more liquid and faster, more frequent output, defeating the intention of staying hydrated. Four ounces of liquid an hour will keep anyone properly hydrated, so don't overdo the drinking where possible. Moderation is the key!

And if they haven't told you....... Always empty the appliance when it is no more than 1/3 full. We Ileostomates will go 1/2 or slightly more, but only your own experience can dictate that. Some appliances stay on better than others and it can be disturbingly messy to learn the hard way what's best for you. There is no "easy way", however. Appliance adhesives are engineered to stick to clean dry skin and for most common body chemistry. Your body chemistry can change and what's worked well can fall off your body unexpectedly.

If you click on my name it will take you to my profile page, and you can access my "blog" there. You'll find some more info regarding ostomies there.

If I can ever be of help, just drop me a note. They don't tell your everything, and unless they've had an ostomy for years, can't seriously answer your questions.

A great website for any Ostomate is the UOAA site. People like you and I are posting there. The information (although not always accurate) is well worth reading. Like any forum, stay as anonymous as possible...... Be safe.

My best wishes for you and your new "bud".

John

ellend said:

dietary restriction

Since my surgery is recent, a low fiber diet was recommended for now. The reason was to give my bowels time to start working "normally" again. I can start introducing additional foods, but the recommendation was to add them one at a time and keep track of any adverse effects so I know what to avoid in the future.

This is all new to me, I tend to empty the bag on a regular basis, around 1/3 full. I still have some problems with leakage. I need to change the bag about every 2 days, sometimes more frequently. It tends to leak under the stoma where I can't see it, but the skin stinging lets me know.

Thanks for the information, it is much appreciated.

Ellen

Leakages....

Rule #1:  Only use hot water to wash the peristomal area; NO SOAP
Rule #2:  DO NOT use any adhesive remover on the peristomal area.
Rule #3: Use only paper towels or 4x4 patches to dry the peristomal area after washing.
Rule #4: DO NOT use any "skin prep" on the peristomal area.
Rule #5: Use "Convetec Stomahesive Powder" to resolve any sore areas under the appliance. Use the Powder alone, without any skin prep under or over the powder; it was designed to be used alone. Dust of excessive powder and place the appliance directly, over the powdered areas. Healing will be within a day.

You should get at least 3 days use out of any appliance. You should NOT change the appliance unless you are having a problem (itching, burning, leaking). Coloplast makes an "extended wear" wafer that I have used for a month at a time, with two to three weeks average.

Each time you remove an appliance, it takes some skin surface with it. If you're trying to resolve a sore, changing the appliance is akin to peeling off a scab.

My first six months (2006) was hell. My leakage and sores became so bad, the entire area was weeping and nothing would adhere to it. The nurses were giving the wrong info about how to use and care for an ostomy. I slept in the tub one night, wishing I died in the OR instead of living that hell.

Since talking to the engineers at two appliance manufactures and holding to their recommendations, my appliances since then have stayed on for weeks at a time, without leakage or a problem.

If you're having a problem. please consider the suggestions I have forwarded to you? I hate to hear of any ostomate living in hell......

My best wishes,

John

PS:  Use a "cut it yourself" appliance / wafer. Make sure the hole for the stoma fits snugly to the stoma without any skin showing around the stoma. It is most important to do that! You will suffer a shorter wear time and leakage if you allow skin around the stoma to be exposed to the waste.