My Husband had an ileostomy 17 months ago. During that time he has had nothing but problems AF, Kidney disease and quite a lot of burning. He went to see the surgeon about 6 months ago and he apologised and said that there isn't anything that he can do as another operation would be life threatening. His stoma has always been overactive but now has to empty it almost every hour and this usually takes about 20ms and his tummy is swollen. He takes 8 loperamide every day. Any suggestions please
Regards
Maggie
Hi Maggie
I'm sorry to hear that your husband is still suffering from a high output stoma and it is quite a lot to be emptying his bag every hour which can take 20 minutes to empty does this mean than his output has a thick consistency and takes along time to squeeze every out. I am assuming that his output exceeds the average amount of 1½ to 2 litres per day.
I note that he takes 8 (16mg) loperamide per day under medical supervision this can be increased to 16 (32mg) per day but I would suggest that the type taken should either be in tablet or capsulet form and never capsules as these can pass straight through the remaining colon very quickly and not have a chance to be absorbed, capsules can be opened and sprinkled onto yogurt to mask the taste.
How long has his tummy been swollen? Is it all the time or come and go.
I would suggest that your husband's output should be measured every time he empties his pouch by draining the contents into a measuring jug (not a pleasant job I know) and recording also keep a note of the colour. It might be a good idea to check the amount of urine being passed and the colour, by matching the colour against this chart it will give an indication if he is dehydrated
I suggest that the high output is investigated either by your stoma care nurses who looked after your husband after his surgery or by asking your GP to refer him back to the colorectal surgeon who originally operated.
Should he develop any other symptoms in connection with the swollen tummy like cramps or pain it might be advisable to contact NHS111.
Please keep me informed how things go with your husband.
Ian
