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Stomach flu and dehydration

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Posted 10/15/2014 3:20 AM (GMT 0)
I have an ileostomy and have had the stomach flu for 4 days. Continuous runs, fatigue, etc. Went to the Dr today and was treated for dehydration with IV fluids. Although the diarrhea has slowed a little, I'm concerned about becoming dehydrated again. In the 13 years that I've had my ileostomy I've never been dehydrated. Any suggestions on how to keep myself hydrated, and how to manage with the flu?
Posted 10/15/2014 4:45 AM (GMT 0)
I've heard the flu sucks with an ileostomy! Emptying a bag of liquid constantly. Fortunately I have only gotten colds since surgery.

I guess the usual ideas for staying hydrated: Gatorade, pedialyte, juices, broth. Just plain water doesnt cut it cuz it can flush you of important stuff when you have ileo.

But with the other things added to water you should be good. Maybe include some nutrition drinks like Boost/Ensure/G3 to keep electrolytes and protein up to while you try to recover from being sick.
Posted 10/15/2014 4:53 AM (GMT 0)
Katie - thank you for the recommendations. It's definitely sucky. I feel pretty lucky that this is the first time in 13 years.
Posted 10/15/2014 4:56 AM (GMT 0)
I should practice what I preach. I'm not keeping myself very hydrated these days.
But I declare right now- on this post! I SHALL make a BETTER effort!! :)

lol. good luck and I hope you feel better soon :)
Posted 10/15/2014 7:11 AM (GMT 0)
I was hospitalised with dehydration a few weeks ago. I was told that I should not drink more than 2 litres a day, otherewise anything more than that comes straight out of the stoma. The more you drink, the more comes out and can cause dehydration. That's what I was told anyway.
Posted 10/15/2014 12:47 PM (GMT 0)
I've been dealing with a similar issue with a different cause -- after a blockage, I've had copious watery output. Been drinking sports drinks, and last night I was so dehydrated I thought I'd need to go back for more fluids. My partner suggested that the drinks don't have enough salt for someone without a colon. I drank some salt water (1/4 teaspoon per cup) and that helped a lot. Now I'm putting extra salt in my sports drink and making sure to also drink salted broths.

I did have a stomach bug once, and it's very hard to hydrate... sometimes you need to just bite the bullet and get the IV fluids.

Hope you feel better soon.
Posted 10/15/2014 1:31 PM (GMT 0)
       I was hospitalized four times for dehydration.  Granted, one time was definitely my own careless fault.....laid out in the hot sun (even though I drank water constantly...not a good thing to do) and then went into a casino and drank a mudslide rolleyes .  That evening, I went to bed and at 1am woke up with diarrhea and started vomiting.  We were down the shore in our RV.  My husband put me in the car and we headed for the nearest hospital.  My husband even stopped at a police station to get specific directions and I have no memory of that ride.  They kept me in the hospital two days that time.  The other three times were due to stomach flu.  I have no idea why I was admitted every time, perhaps because the doctors were concerned about my rapid heart rate.  Also, I was, and still am, in my 60's.  At least I am doing better in the hydration department now.  It's been over two years since my last dehydration episode.
Posted 10/15/2014 3:13 PM (GMT 0)
Don't forget that with a regular stomach bug you can and should take Imodium to slow your output. That's what it's for! I had it drilled into my head so much during UC to never take Imodium that I totally forgot about its existence when I had a stomach virus with my ileostomy. As long as you're not facing an IBD flare or C. diff, Imodium is totally appropriate.
Posted 10/15/2014 5:14 PM (GMT 0)
oh yea - Immodium exists! :D
Yep - with UC never took it.

Good tip - thanks Liz!!
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