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sorry, strange question -- what does constipation feel like with an ileostomy ???

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Posted 2/4/2007 1:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hi !!   I have a temporary loop ilestomy for about 3 weeks now and wound up with a 13 inch incision.   As far as I know, as of right now, I have had no EXTREME compications.  I just have to say this whole thing, surgery, hospital stay, the bag, is horrible (and believe me, I could go on and on). 

Just getting to the point for the moment, my strange question is this... I feel like I have to go to the bathroom and was wondering if this is a normal feeling ???  I feel like I want to push, if you know what I mean.  Is this constipation ?  I haven't gone to the bathroom in any way for more than 3 hours....... usually I hear the bag pretty consistently.   Thanks for any advice.   

Posted 2/4/2007 2:49 AM (GMT 0)
Do you mean you feel like you have to go to the loo in the 'old' way? If so, this is a sensation called "Phantom Rectal Pain". Just like an amputee can 'feel' their amputated limb itch, so your body has to get used to it's new plumbing. It's annoying but completely harmless.

With a loop ileostomy, you may occasionally see stool coming out of your rectum and anus. This is because sometimes, the stool enters your second stoma (called a mucous fistula) and works it's way out as 'normal'. This is to be expected and very normal as well but can be scary if you're not warned about it.

Ileostomates can't really get constipated as our stool is so loose. We can, however, get blockages which means there will be no output - but you will know if it's a blockage. There's usually severe cramping, nausea and often you will have a temperature. If blockages last more than a few hours, it's time to seek medical advice. Ileostomies will usually work about 95% of the time.

Good luck and I hope by now, your ileostomy is back to it's usual self.
Posted 2/4/2007 6:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I don't have constant output into my bag, it depends on what I've eaten or had to drink, and how long ago. I can go hours without any output, but three days is not normal, if you've been eating or drinking normally. My understanding is that you should be having some output 3-5 hours after every time that you eat or drink.

Anita Summers
Total ileoproctectomy '05
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