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Posted 5/19/2014 10:20 AM (GMT 0)
Hello. I'm new to this forum but have scoured it over the past month and got so much helpful advice off you all so thanks to everyone that contributes.

After an acute UC flare up a month ago I'm now 2 and a half weeks living with an ileostomy.

Anyway - a few questions I hope some of can help with.

1) my output has thickened nicely in the past week but today it's gone really really thick and seems to be passing through loads of undivided food from yesterday. Is this normal? Should I be concerned?

2) I know It's only been 2 and a half weeks since my surgery but I'm emptying my bag 12-14 times a day at the minute. When does this calm down??
Posted 5/19/2014 10:20 AM (GMT 0)
Undigested food****
Posted 5/19/2014 2:19 PM (GMT 0)
1. That is normal depending on what thatou ate. Try not to be concerned about what it looks like coming out. As long as the ratio of going in matches coming out you are ok. If you start to have pain and notice that not much is coming out you may have a problem. Otherwise don't worry.
2. That depends on what you eat. After a few more weeks your output will slow it takes a while for your body to get used to the new roles.
Good luck
Posted 5/19/2014 3:29 PM (GMT 0)
When I had a new ostomy I had a bit of a problem with too much output. You can get dehydrated if it's too watery for too long. I had to use a product called questran two picking things up but that might not be necessary. Mashed potatoes, bananas, rice, cheese. These are all good thickeners. I find when I have a ton of salad or a lot of sugar I get more watery. My output slowed over time, but what you're experiencing is probably normal. If you start to feel dehydrated though, you might have to get in there for fluids so keep an eye on it. Welcome and good luck! Keep us posted.
Posted 5/19/2014 5:33 PM (GMT 0)
thanks so much for the advice. It's stopped now but freaked me out this morning. Just 30 minutes of big peices of undigested food out of nowhere. Like you said... Best not to worry to much.

Yea I'm going to play the waiting game and hope it calms down over the weeks. I realise everybody is different and it depends on food but what's the average amount of times I'll have to empty the bag once it has settled?
Posted 5/19/2014 5:44 PM (GMT 0)
My normal is probably 6-10 times over 24 hours. Pretty much just every time I pee. I empty more when I'm in public than at home because I'm more conscience of it showing. Maybe focus on chewing better? I know when I scarf down food too fast it's more chunks and watery. Also I've heard digestive enzymes can help you break down your food better if it continues to be an issue. I tried them for a little while but didn't really bother too much because things seem to normalize after a bit.
Posted 5/19/2014 8:11 PM (GMT 0)
Something to remember: Imodium slows down output while Metamucil (or another fiber product) bulks up output.

The consistency and frequency depends on many things. What you eat/drink will factor into that.

Did you get instructions from your doctor about Imodium or Metamucil when you were discharged? If you didn't you may want to check with them to see if that's something you need. I had very high output early on and had to use both...but things eventually leveled out. You are still early in recovery and things will settle down!
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