Causes of high output ileostomy?

I feel very bloated and uncomfortable. I should probably know this, but is diarrhea and liquid output ileostomy the same thing? For a few weeks I have felt almost as though I'm constipated and gas like I did prior to surgery. I have a lot of cramps and pain that comes and goes. My colon has just been bypassed so I have been told some gas and mucus is normal. I have rectocele and prolapse so not enough muscle function to pass anything.

Also, has anyone had their loop ileostomy revised to end --> not j-pouch, reattach or anything? Is it rather non-consequential?

Help, thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

~V~

I apologize Benny Stringer,

I'm really not feeling very well so perhaps I'm not being as clear as I had hoped. I have a loop ileostomy with the colon left in place (simply bypassed).

1) What might cause the high output? Usually empty around 5 or 6 times/daily... now, 8/9 times, very liquid and lots of gas. Of course, I realize some is relative to what I eat.
2) I have been asked if I have diarrhea... I'm not sure how to answer. Is the question only relative to a colostomy OR is the very liquid output, in fact, diarrhea?
3) I'm having some issues with the inactive side of the stoma. When I questioned my surgeon, she said we might be able to "revise" it in a few months. I am curious about what that entails and whether or not anyone has had a similar experience?

Are there any other questions I can better address? Again, I apologize for the confusion. The surgeon commented that I was initially told that all the symptoms I had prior to the surgery would be relieved. I'm simply concerned and hoping that I might be appropriate to believe I can and should be feeling better than I DO.

May we try again? Vicki

I agree that sounds like a partial blockage. When I have a partial blockage my input increases a lot but is very liquid. Like my intestines is working hard to move something it can't so liquid or gas increases because those can get by. Be careful if this continues it is easy to get dehydrated.

As far as the revision. If they are just revising your loop that should be relatively minor. As far as survey is concerned. If they are making your loop an end that is a bigger surgery because they will be removing your colon.

Thank You Benny, Cupcake and Karen ... Your expertise helps me so much and it's sincerely appreciated.

I believe you're right in that I have a small blockage. I have to admit, I've been a little cocky with eating because I've tolerated many things better than I did before surgery. I have had to work really hard to slow down and chew carefully. When I'm having lunch with someone, I find that I lose track too. That's one of the reasons I hoped taking a sauna might help. I've also tried hot coffee and tea as well as bending knees to chest. I don't know if I expect a huge relief or if it will be subtle.

Karen, You've explained everything better than ANY doctor has. My problem is getting anyone to believe me, much less willing to explore further. I had an x-ray last week and will have an appointment on Friday with the surgeon. I'm sure they'll say nothing is there (like it's all in my head. I don't really know how to address it. She's a wonderful surgeon but she is pretty convicted and determined that her decision to leave the colon and loop is correct. PLUS, she had no intention of removing the colon, etc.. She told me she 'might' consider the loop revision in a few months. I honestly believe the loop (the inactive side protrudes over the active) is the cause of my skin problems. I'm still having a little trouble peeing too... it takes FOREVER. There's an area under my stoma where if I press on it, I feel extreme urgency to pee. I've been told it takes time for the kidneys to settle in to the new normal --> What do you think?

Everything you say is precisely how I feel. I tried to pass the mucus or whatever is in there but can only pass gas. I can feel "something" along with the prolapse.

I truly feel like I'm reaching wit's end! I know I'm probably being annoying but I don't think I should have to settle feeling crummy either. I'm only 4 months in, so maybe everything will change. I'm absolutely exhausted... a bone tired! The only other time I've felt even close to this is when I was having a full blown thyroid storm. Speaking of thyroid, I have a blood panel and bone density test in the morning, then will have a follow-up with the doctor next week. My Endocrinologist is my favorite doctor. I'll ask for pointers.

Thanks again for your time. I'm actually going to share your replies. You all rock!!! I'm always open to your suggestions... You're in the trenches and truly understand... that's what is important!

Goodnight,
Vicki