Are any other ileostomates breathless on exhersion and lightheaded?

Hi

2+ years with ileostomy due to injury of colon and rectum (no underlying disease). Are any other ilestomates breathless on exhertion and lightheaded? (not actually out of breath on exhertion but just feel it sort of like walking around at high altitude.)

Wondered if it's electrolyte caused or just other related. I drink lots of fluid and stay well hydrated.

Do any other ileostomates try to avoid oxalates to reduce the chance of kidney stones? Haven't had any but don't want any. I know we have an increased risk of getting them.

Thanks for any info.

Rosemary

I also vote for dehydration.

You might try drinking an electrolyte beverage or broth. Salt in either beverage will help you to retain fluids. When engaging in long distance through-hikes I always drink Vitalyte. It's the best hydrating beverage I have found for my revised plumbing. You can read more about it at www.vitalyte.com The product was developed by a chemist/Olympic runner.

Sue

I'm wondering if it's a combination of dehydration and low iron.  But, there's no "Dr." in front of my name, so what the hell do I know!

Hi Thanks for replies,

I'm on no medications and as far as I know have no other health issues. My appetite is low so I don't eat that much solid foods. I drink a lot of juices, milk, liquid yogurt, so my output is normal in volume but always liquidy. If I drink lemonade or Orange juice it really get liquidy and increased.

I will try for more of a pudding consistency; sounds like you're right about the dehydration.

To the oxalate question, oxalates are found in coffee, tea beer, wheat germ, and green veggies. They can combine with calcium and give you kidney stones. Glad to hear that one person has had an ileo for 10 years with no kidney stone issues. I live in the northeast so it's not excessively hot. I will check into the Vitalyte. There is too much sugar in gatorade which increases my output and makes it more watery. I do get Vit B12 shots monthly and am borderline anemic. Will get checked again. Will try to increase salt, but too much increases my output. THis is a juggling act. Thanks, any other ideas are also welcomed. Rosemary

OHIO76,

Thanks, I've been telling docs how I feel for 2 years now and the only one who suggested an IV was a naturopathic doc. I didn't do it because I'd been through so much the last thing I wanted to do was an IV.. But I'm caught in a cycle...no hunger, so not eat much, very thirsty, drink a lot, loose a lot of liquid and round and round I go. I will call this naturopathic doc and try the IV. What kind is it just saline solution?

I will check the link. Thanks.

What do you eat to make a pudding-like consistency?

Rosemary

I think you'll feel better and will WANT to eat:) your body is just so far behind right now:( I eat a modified 'low glycemic' diet...you can look it up on line....but I basically eat foods that are not processed and i've given up breads:( but I feel so unbelievably good, that I don't miss it:) It won't work for everyone, but I've found foods that my body accepts, so I've stuck with it. I don't get up at night and only empty about 3-4 times a day:)

anytime you change your diet, your body will have to adjust, so be patient when you make changes!