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Posted 5/14/2007 4:24 PM (GMT 0)
I know that keeping hydrated when you've got an ileostomy can be a problem, so wanted to share with you my consultant's treatment plan, which has worked brilliantly for me.

Basically, each day I have

-1 litre of a home made electrolyte mix called St Mark's solution ('recipe' below)

- 1 litre of other fluid, which includes two Fortisip drinks (nutritionally balanced milkshake style drinks which contain loads of vitamins, minerals and protein)

- 1 meal and two snacks, avoiding foods high in sugar and adding plenty of salt to my food.

Also self-administer 1 litre of liquid food with added sodium (the added sodium is CRUCIAL) and 1 litre of intravenous saline each night.

Plus various minerals and supplements.

As I'm reading back over what I've written, it occurs to me that it looks complicated.  Really it isn't and has brought my stoma output right down, kept me feeling well and full of energy.  There is some proper research behind the plan, by the way. 

I haven't had an ileostomy for long, so apologies if I'm telling you info that you already know.  But it has worked so well that I wanted to share it with others.  Feel free to contact me if you want more info.  Lots of love.

St Marks Solution

1 litre cold water

Add 1 level teaspoon of salt, 1/2 heaped teaspoon bicarbonate of soda, 6 level teaspoons glucose.  Can add squash to make it more palatable (in which case I personally only use 950ml water).  Tastes MUCH better when served cold.  Sip throughout the day.  May taste a bit weird at first but trust me, after a couple of days you'll get used to it and may learn to love it!!!

Posted 6/1/2007 10:14 AM (GMT 0)
Hello mrsrose..
This information has helped me lots,i do get very de=hydrated due to the ileostomy continually producing water.
As i have only one kidney,i find that i get problems because of the lack of fluid in my body..and this in turn has caused me numerous water infections...
Maybe by trying what you have shared,it may help me..
Many thanks ..nursy2..
Posted 6/1/2007 4:42 PM (GMT 0)
Nursy2,

You may want to check with your renal specialist before taking any supplemental liquids especially with salts and bicarbonates. He may help you tailor a recipe that will be more suited to your special situation.
Posted 6/1/2007 5:04 PM (GMT 0)
Yes i will ask my urologist about this..I am due for some more routine tests soon,so i will copy this drinks advice down,and see what he thinks..
I am having bit of problems with the catheters at the moment,as i need to do frequent bladder washouts,only started this week,so i think i need to learn how to be a contortionist..ha ha..
I am sure the specialist has thought about the reason i keep having problems,i am surprised he hasn't mentioned that the cause of these water infections may be caused through the water ileostomy..so i will have a chat about this too...
Posted 6/4/2007 6:14 PM (GMT 0)

blimey, it sounds as though you're having a really tough time at the moment.  I truly hope things pick up for you.  Health problems OR emotional troubles = bad enough, but both together??  TOO MUCH!!!  My thoughts are with you. 

PS  the salt/bicarb etc solution was developed at St Marks' Hospital in the UK.  This may give it some credibility when you tell your consultant. 

PPS  Couple of other things that seem to work well in reducing ileostomy output are

1    avoid very sugary food or sweets.  Apparently simple sugars pull the body's fluids into the digestive system, thus dehydrating you.  This makes all the difference for me.

2     eat lots of carbs.  In particular, potato, crisps (chips, in US I think!), pasta all seem to thicken up your output.

You may well already know this, in which case apologies, but thought it was worth a mention.

Best wishes

Posted 6/4/2007 10:29 PM (GMT 0)
Thankyou mrsrose,I didn't know what all these various foods can do,so many thanks for that..
As for the health and emotional problems..I am surviving(just).
It is hard for anyone to come to terms with a change in their body,especially in my case as i was rushed in to hospital and ended up with the ileostomy,but at least it has stopped the pain,and the waterworks problems are not too bad really,its just i need to get some practise as to how best to do it,i just seem all fingers and thumbs,and could do with as many hands as an octopus.ha ha..
emotionally, marriage wise,its much harder to come to terms with..

I suppose it is hard for some husbands to handle this,but to be fair to myself,i found out that as much as he blamed my illness,there was another person who he felt he would prefer to be with(putting it nicely) eyes

Thanks again for your advice..nursy2

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