stoma diet

Wee update for the thread .

Macmillan have in fact been working on this and hoping to find a Blog spot for it . There will be a comments section and posted on the stoma group from further use and to discuss.

They are also aware of the up coming  issues of dining over the festive period so keep and eye out for it and hopefully with the help of everyone turn it into a really useful resource. 
Take care ,

Court 

Hi Court.

I am struggling to find suitable foods etc. for my wife following her operation and I am also finding contradictory suggestions on practically every website I visit. So, has there been some sort of definitive diet spread sheet collated as you suggested by other posters or McMillian and, if so, can you either direct me to it or send it to me as I would be forever grateful.

Thanks

hiya Mr Max, with regards to diet I've posted above but didn't say vegetables give me dihorrea  except root vegetables such as carrots and swede. I had a colostomy, - complications so then an illiostomy and finally another colostomy. The only fruit that doesn't cause me problems are bananas and stewed apple. Skins on veg also cause me grief. Pasta, rice, fish, meat - are all good for me. Try small amounts of new foods and see how you get on. It's all trial and error. For example I can eat baked beans which I was told to avoid. Chocolate for me is another no- no. I can eat more variety if eaten by 1pm in the day. No idea why.

I can see your issue having had a quick look !

I will raise this again with Macmillan .

The main NHS page was void of information but sometimes individual trusts are better . Here’s an example .

https://www.chelwest.nhs.uk/your-visit/patient-leaflets/medicine-services/diet-guidelines-for-patients-with-a-colostomy

If you Google your own authority /trust with stoma diet they may have an information sheet .

Does your wife have a specialist nurse or dietician ?

If not you could ask your Gp for a referral too . She should certainly be getting support .

Take care ,

Court 

https://www.rdehospital.nhs.uk/media/nejczz23/patient-information-leaflet-dietary-advice-for-people-with-a-colostomy-rde-21-008-001.pdf

This is another example . Also I’d it’s an ileostomy  if you add that to your search it gives specifics for output etc .

Our helpline staff might be able to get you more information 0808 808 0000

Take care ,

Court 

Thanks for getting back Kath. Nothing really prepares you for all of this, no matter how much you read up on it. I am watching my wife struggle to accept her stoma bag and the fact that she can no longer poo naturally. I know she is down  and I can completely understand why she has lost her appetite but she needs to eat. Hopefully I can make something she likes that won't cause her problems. Take care x

Thanks so much for that Court. It was really helpful. A district nurse came out to see her today and she had a wee talk with my wife re her not eating and her problems with accepting her stoma bag and I think it has helped so, hopefully, she will start eating again and get back on the road to recovery.

Take care

It’s hard though isn’t it . My mum did not have a stoma but went through a prolong period of not eating . It was the only time we actually had words as I was so worried about her but it did pass .

Thats so encouraging to hear the district nurse was able to assist her . What would we do without them .

Hope you are ok too !

Court 

Hi Mr Mac

In the early weeks after my op last summer I had no appetite at all and, to be honest, I didn't want to be persuaded to eat.  Full meals just seemed too much (and a bit off putting).  Eventually though I realised that little and often was the way to go. Sometimes dinner was just a sandwich (chicken usually) and a cup of tea but it just felt more palatable.  A wee cake or a cheese scone (with loads of butter) was good too - not the healthiest, I agree, but better than not eating.  The white diet is really boring to be honest (I never want to eat another rice krispie in my life!) so something sweet felt like it had a bit more taste. Enjoyable without feeling like it was too much food. My GP also recommended lots of dairy rather than loading up with carbs.  Never having been a yogurt fan, I found some lovely Greek stuff, full fat, with a fruit puree which was delicious and just enough for breakfast. 

Now, I eat anything and everything - both healthy and unhealthy (chocolate fiend).  Cautious with some things admittedly (nuts and raw veg) but, other than eggs which my ileostomy really doesn't like, I'm back to eating normally, all the things I enjoyed before,  but with smaller portions.  If I overdo it I feel uncomfortable so cut back the next day.

I hope that Mrs Mac starts to feel a bit better soon.  This op does knock you for six, and it takes a wee while to process everything that's going on - both physically and mentally.  It's lovely that you are looking after her so well.

Take care yourself too though - that's just as important.

Hi Mr Mac

I wanted to add my thoughts. Like you said nothing prepares you for this. I’m an ileostomy and I didn’t know there was such a thing. 
After my operation I needed to eat a completely different diet. Which I found really challenging. Now I can eat most things.

 
I started with little steamed puddings and custard as I knew I could process that easily. Also I used to like them a long while ago. I found my comfort food worked. For six weeks white bread with salty butter fish fingers and mayonnaise! Yes it was a toddlers diet however it was what I needed

If you can find food that was liked it’s tempting. Those steamed puddings and cream or vanilla custard worked for me. I was too frightened of blocking. 
Now I chew everything well and eat anything. Well apart from sweetcorn which I really love. Sadly that’s not possible 

I really hope things improve. 
Keep us updated