Nighttime blow-out

Pibbin

Regular Member

Joined : Apr 2008

Posts : 163

Posted 12/6/2008 5:49 PM (GMT 0)

I have had a temp ileostomy since October. Not sure if my output is high, but I end up changing my pouch approx 10x/day. I get uncomfortable if it gets more than a quarter full.

At night, I have been trying to keep myself awake until midnight so I don't have my sleep interrupted by needing to empty. Despite not eating after 6 pm, I usually awaken at 5 am with a rigid pouch nearly full of waste and gas. It is often messy to empty when it is that full. This morning I awoke with my first leak due to overfilling, I guess I should be thankful it happened in the privacy of home.

Does anyone have any suggestions for me? Is this normal? Do they make bigger pouches for nighttime use?

Thanks for your help!

Pibbin

Regular Member

Joined : Apr 2008

Posts : 163

Posted 12/6/2008 5:49 PM (GMT 0)

Oops, I meant to say emptying my pouch 10x/day, not changing, LOL.

justjenjen

Veteran Member

Joined : Nov 2003

Posts : 518

Posted 12/6/2008 7:19 PM (GMT 0)

It took my body forever to slow down output--and at first I didn't like how it felt if just a tiny bit was in there. It will slow down and you will get used to it; it just takes time. I know some folks do things to slow down output at night like eating marshmallows--not sure if it works but it can't hurt trying. Have you tried using Imodium? I still have to wake up early (regardless of what/when I eat) to empty, but I think the Imodium slows it down a wee bit. If I only get one more hour of sleep before emptying I'm all for it. I'm sure others will ring in with some suggestions. Good luck.

peggy113

Veteran Member

Joined : Aug 2007

Posts : 1998

Posted 12/7/2008 5:41 AM (GMT 0)

Watching sugar, caffeine and fat intake in the evenings may also help to slow things down. They tend to speed things up for me.

Shaz032

Veteran Member

Joined : Feb 2003

Posts : 1251

Posted 12/7/2008 10:58 AM (GMT 0)

How about setting your alarm for 3am so you can get up and empty then you can go back to bed and enjoy the rest of your sleep?

summerstorm

Veteran Member

Joined : Aug 2006

Posts : 6575

Posted 12/7/2008 7:02 PM (GMT 0)

i still have to empty mine at night, and it doesnt' seem to matter how much i eat or when. IF i try not to eat though, i get more gas and that makes it worse. You might try eating a banana or something that will thicken it up and slow it down, or take some immodium (which someone already said) and two gas-x shortly before bed.
Also, this is sort of like a security blanket thing to me, i sleep with a waterproof pad under me at night. It helps me sleep better cause i know if i do leak i will just have to get up clean me up and throw that stuff in teh washer, instead of the whole bed!
If i don't have that i dont' sleep as well and wake up more to empty. Last night i spent the night at a friends house and i was tossign and turning for a while, until i got up and got my t-shirt and folded it up under me then i went right to sleep, lol.
good luck!

hendersonjames

Regular Member

Joined : Sep 2005

Posts : 89

Posted 12/8/2008 2:38 AM (GMT 0)

When I had my ileo I ususally emptied twice in the night.

Pibbin

Regular Member

Joined : Apr 2008

Posts : 163

Posted 12/8/2008 3:22 AM (GMT 0)

Thanks for the all the info and suggestions, everyone! It helps to not feel alone.

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