Ileostomy-stomach pain and heartburn

I am searching for help from those of you with experience with this. My mom had her permanent ileostomy with outside pouch one month ago. She has been home since Thanksgiving. Over the last probably week she has severe heartburn and her stomach hurts regardless of what kind of food she eats. She has also lost a lot of weight, which worries her as well.

Does anyone know if heartburn and stomach pain are symptoms of a partial blockage? She said her stoma still is functioning, although I didn't ask her how often. She is frustrated too because she doesn't know what to eat, any suggestions in that area?? Lately she's been eating sandwiches I think with Turkey and potatoes, rice....

Thanks so much

I would check with your surgeon. I am not sure why she would have heartburn and pain. If she is losing weight, then it is bad enough to call the doctor.

Sounds like you've got a lot going on ape .... hang in and keep us posted.

Makes sense re massage and grape juice. She should also be eating low residue food -- lot of white stuff -- crackers, white bread, white fish, chicken breast, yogurt, cheese, pasta, smooth peanut butter etc. Nothing bulky or hard to digest.

Also, healing from surgery requires a lot of protein, so some kind of protein shake to supplement can be very helpful.

Is she walking? That can help get things moving too.

Plain noodles with oil and parm should be fine. Turkey sandwiches sound fine too.

I can't remember when I started eating tomato sauce, maybe others can comment (I think it was about a month out), but if she has heartburn, may not want that anyways. I know some people say it makes their output liquid, which maybe would be good in her case, but it hasn't been that way for me.

Major things to avoid now are nuts, seeds, whole grains, raw veggies and fruit (except bananas and maybe avocado), mushrooms, anything stringy (celery, chinese veggie, etc), I think that at a month out I was eating things like very soft cooked carrots, squash, potatoes, and sweet potatoes.

Some foods are thickening: mashed potatoes, peanut butter, bananas, pasta, bread, applesauce etc. Something to be mindful of if her output is too thick (I know that's a lot of the low residue list)....

Here's a good chart from Shaz's page http://www.ostomates.org/diet.html

I think both would likely be fine, I think when they say no corn they mean corn kernels, which can get stuck in a swollen intestine, but I'm not sure..... maybe the rice chex are a better idea. She can also try just a few the first time and see how it goes. I ate a lot of rice krispies.....