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new illeostomy and dehydration

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Posted 7/22/2009 12:52 AM (GMT 0)
Hey there,

My mom just had an emergency illeostomy like three weeks ago and we have had to bring her to the ER on two ocassions already when her blood pressure dropped so low that we couldn't get a reading afetr she stood up (postural hypotension). It appears both times she was dehydrated. She has been drinking a great deal of fluids when home but after about a week she seems to fall behind and needs IV. I am worried because she does have a weakened heart. Anyone have experiences like this? Can we expect them to subside eventually? Thanks so much
Posted 7/22/2009 1:13 AM (GMT 0)
is her output really fast?
she needs to probably double her fluid intake from what she was getting before the surgery, esp so soon out from the surgery.
It may help to have her eat some foods that will thicken it up and slow it down some, like bananas or potatos, or to take some immodium.
Its more common for dehydration at first until the small intestine gets used to doing the large intestines work.
hope she gets better
Posted 7/22/2009 2:18 AM (GMT 0)

Encourage your mom to drink bouillon and salty soups.  Adding more salt to her diet by way of salty soups and snacks will help her better retain fluids.

Sue

Posted 7/22/2009 2:56 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I've had ileo since Aug. 07. Always tired, lightheaded, and not much hunger. I drink 2 and a half quarts of liquid per day. Are these symptoms of low salt or low electrolytes in general? As well as absorbing water the colon's job is to absorb electrolytes. My elec's are always fine on blood work but can they fluctuate during the day? Did your mom have these similar symptoms? Or if not what were her symptoms? Sincerely, esoR
Posted 7/22/2009 3:15 AM (GMT 0)

Chocolate is the thing that give the most energy and quickly.

I hope this help.

Posted 7/22/2009 1:02 PM (GMT 0)
When I had my ileostomy I went into the hospital after 2 weeks for dehydration. Try to avoid caffinee initially. Until the small intestine gets used to doing things just try to avoid it.
Another thing is ... like everyone said drink LOTS of fluids and salt helps. I find what helps me the most now is I drink Vitalyte and I'm set for the day. It is some really good stuff and I got it on Amazon ...

She can drink Powerade as well but it has in a lot of sugars, I found I put on a lot of weight when I was pounding down the Powerade ...

goodluck and let us know how she does ..

God Bless.
Posted 7/22/2009 11:39 PM (GMT 0)

Puffytail,

You can have your mom drink coconut water also; it is very good for electrolytes and it's natural so it does'nt have the sugar like gatorade or powerade.  You can get it at Wegman's in the Health Food section or at a Health Food Store; it comes in a container like a juice box.  I have found the ZICO brand to taste the best.

I wish your Mom the best,

Judy

Posted 7/23/2009 3:13 AM (GMT 0)
When I feel dehydration coming on I do only liquids for the day. It slows down my output and makes me feel better.

My doc said anytime I have a really liquidy empty I have to drink a whole glass of water right after- just to keep me on track with my fluids.

Good luck. Hope you feel better.
Posted 7/23/2009 3:46 PM (GMT 0)
What are the signs of dehydration with a new ileostomy?
Posted 7/23/2009 9:19 PM (GMT 0)
light headedness, hard to breath, general icky feeling, sometimes the output will drasctiaclly slow, sometimes not, not peeing much, or dark pee, feeling nasueas (i never spell that right!) if you think you are getting dehydrated, just drink drink drink!
Posted 7/23/2009 9:51 PM (GMT 0)

windows63 said...
What are the signs of dehydration with a new ileostomy?

How about weak legs?

I think it is the first sign.

Posted 7/23/2009 11:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Puffytail!

I've had my ileostomy since March and have the same issues. I also have issues keeping my weight stable. 5'8 and 135...When I drop weight rapidly - even 5lbs - it makes it harder to keep my bp up. Increasing sodium and fluids does help but it just wasn't enough for me. I also take a prescription Florinef - otherwise I'm blacking out everytime I stand up.

Best of luck to your mom!
Posted 7/24/2009 2:31 AM (GMT 0)
yes weak legs too
Posted 7/24/2009 4:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hi i too suffer from dyhdration had resection done in jan and given temp stoma  have been into hospital quite a few times  with dehydration and have IV fluids given the signs i get is start to feel breathless,tired,and faint when i stand up my heart beats really fast and blood pressure goes really low i get cramp in my feet and hands. i was told to make up isotonic drinks which is 200ml  sugar free fruit squash (fruit cordial ) TO 800ml water and add 1 teaspoon of salt  and sip this throughout the day this advice was given by my dietician the recommended amount of fluids is 2 litres a day. i  normally make the other litre up with  normal drinks tea, fuit juice or volvic flavoured water i think it helps maybe your mum could give it ago  hope this helps Bev x 
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