Early days with ileostomy

Hi Jen, 

I’m a week on from having a loop stoma op. I have been passing stools. I am also having use suppositories to shift what’s left. This is normal. I can’t comment on the consistency because my stoma is just above my rectum so has chance to form more before it exits. I had a bad day with it all yesterday but is to be expected. X

Hi Jen16

First things first, always ring the team.  And if you aren't happy ring again.  I just apologised if I was being a pest but I didn't know what to do with my new pet either.  My team are great.  They really don't mind so don't let Mum suffer/worry especially if she is feeling nauseous.

As for the rectum, two years on I still have The Phantom with me.  Mum has used this 'common' waste production method all her life and it functions still.  So there is residue of mucus and debris to be disposed of.  Even though we now use the 'special' waste disposal process, I was told it worked like any other amputation, the nerves and the brain still register.  So it is like someone who has lost a leg feeling a tickle on their shin.  It does settle with time but takes longer than a week.  The Phantom works every couple of weeks for me but things are quiet in between.  One word of advice.  What is produced can be quite acidic so it is important to wash carefully, gently, to avoid any soreness.

Watery output is often connected to diet/liquid intake.  I made the mistake my first post-op Christmas of drinking pomegranate juice which I used to love.  Oh, boy, did that backfire.  Never ever, ever again.  But again, talk to the team and make a list of anything that seems to irritate.  It may be that she needs to let everything settle down before some things go back on the menu.  And balancing fluid intake does take time too.  I am currently adjusting  because the colder weather means I am not using so much fluid e.g. sweating but, if I exercise, requirements go up again.

So well done, Mum, for getting on so well so quickly.  Good luck to her and to you and don't despair