Managing THICK Ostomy Output: Stoma Care Tips
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- Опубликовано: 21 ноя 2016
- Thick output from an ileostomy or colostomy can pose a few problems for an ostomate:
- Leaks.
- Difficulty emptying your bag.
- "Pancaking"
- and more...
In this video, I'll cover the common causes and ways to better manage thick output.
More tips can be found in my written article:
www.veganostomy.ca/dealing-th...
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Thank you so much for posting all this great information. I've had a colostomy for 18 months and feel like I am still learning. I've been having problems with thick output and I'm lucky if I can keep the bag on for 24 hours.. I didn't realise that this problem could be due to dehydration. I have found I always look to you for any issues I have been struggling with. I have always used a lubricating deodorant product and again I am finding its not working well at all. Thanks again
I've had mine for over 4 years and I know I'm still learning :) Best to you, Kay!
Just what I was waiting for. Have a great day young man..
Thank you, Eric.. i do not have a stoma but a dear friend does. Have had colon problems in the past. Not now.. your information is very informative for those of us who do not have a stoma as well as those who do....
Thanks for watching!
Thank you for this, I have an ileostomy and tend to have thick output at times so this was extremely helpful
Glad I could help :)
Thank you Eric. Wonderful and useful information I can use.
My solution is to eat more fiber rich foods. I prefer so so much more to have thick output vs fluid since the filters doesn't block as easily and it's much more denser then otherwise. And if my output is very fluid I tend to eat more bananas, it makes it a lot thicker. If I'm worried that something is stuck because of very thick I drink and energy drink or a can of coke.
Excellent video!! It took me awhile to figure these things out , when i first got my ili. I have severe gastroparesis ... I have a limited food list . The ili has helped it a lot! My colon was more affected . My output varies from water to thick , all in one day depending on my gut function. I have learned to eat starches , cheese , and yogurt to thicken and increase water and fruit to loosen it. My diuretics also play a role. I find taking them with starch foods helps me dump less fluid in my bag . I'm on several prescription supplements also. My dr ordered a laxative to take is I get too thick or my output slows. If I eat too much fiber ... This happens from the gastroparesis . I have vascular Ehler's Danlos and had a rupture. They do not want it thick in fear of rupture again( with my disease). My condition is very rare .. This probably won't affect many other people . Interesting about the salt! I'm on a high salt diet to keep my blood pressure up . I run extremely low from my EDS. After getting my ili... I crave salt a lot too!!! I also require a lot more to keep my BP up. They had to increase my BP meds too ... To keep it up after my ili . Interesting!!
Amy McMahel
Your situation is sort of similar to mine... I have EDS too (not vascular.... They actually don't know what kind I have bc mine is really odd. I display symptoms of both type 3 hypermobile and type 1, yet i have other odd symptoms that make them think I have something rarer or something that hasn't been "officially discovered" yet..) Mine seems to affect my organs and nervous system moreso than my joints. I'm extremely flexible, have stretchy skin, have chronic pain and am prone to injury, but I've never broken a bone despite my osteoporosis and I don't tear ligaments, but I do get subluxations often. However, I have dysautonomia, lots of neuropathies (small fiber peripheral neuropathy that progressively attacks the nerves from the outside-in and from the feet-upwards, as well as affecting digestive organs), and my gut has especially taken the wrath from the connective tissue dysfunction with several prolapses, hernias (I even had a severe one at birth that required surgery when I got a bit older), pelvic floor dysfunction, reflux, gastroparesis, food sensitivities, low hcl/enzymes, poor peristalsis, gastritis and ulcers, malabsorption, nerve damage, dysbiosis, and a colon that is lazy, boggy, prone to obstructions, inflamed, prolapsed, and just doesn't work on its own without a time consuming and exhausting daily regimen of doctor prescribed enemas and supplemental laxatives ... Its been the bane of my existence since childhood, lol.
Anyways, I've been putting off my ileostomy surgery for too long bc I'm scared at what my quality of life might be post op.... With eds, ostomies can pose more complications than usual bc of how our connective tissue is. Also, my doctor is nervous to operate bc he isn't sure how I'd do. Hes leaning towards a temporary ileostomy, but part of me just wants to get it all done with in one swoop instead of several surgeries.... We know I need my colon/rectum out and that reconnection probably isn't an option bc the darn thing doesn't work and especially won't work after its been cut and messed with, ya know? But, once it's out, it's out and there's no going back.... Thus the dilemma. My quality of life with my colon isn't great, but it's hard to foresee what it'll be like without it. My mind always gets in the way of me moving forward 😕
Anyhoo, Im so happy to hear that your ili has helped you! I'm also so sorry about the health struggles you've had... I admire your strength, as vascular eds is quite a doozy of a diagnosis, yet your attitude and positivity is very inspiring! Please keep me posted on how you are doing, how long have u had your ili?
Veggie Bee I have hypermobile and found out I have vascular ... After my rupture!! I have severe autonomic dysfunction too.. Please send me a FB request !! I'd love to talk more !! I see Dr. Blair Grubb too.., I worked in a walking cast and an ankle brace in other foot for 20 yrs! Also pacemaker dependent... I only went in disability after my rupture.. I went into ARDS and then got apergilliosis in my lung .. Had a thoracotomy of my right upper lobe. So glad I never smoked. I had 9 surgeries was in ICU 3 months and the hospital 6.5 months. I cardiac arrested two different times.. Cardiac tamponade and Spleenic artsy bleed. I have learned so much from what I went through. I became active in EDS support groups after .. I know i could learn more through you ! Your story sounds just like mine!!! My ili was the best thing I ever did for my gastroparesis ! I had a gastric pacemaker too for a year. They put it in my groin.. My belly would bloat up 8 inches by end of the day . I had to take two different sizes of scrubs to work to change mid day !!! This caused the GI leads to pull... It also fought with my. Cardiac pacemaker bad!! I got septic where it kept pulling out.. They had to remove it after becoming septic . I was working with wbc of 48,000. One of our trauma surgeons admitted me after my shift and removed it emergently.. I was in about 17 days. That was about 6-7 years ago. I was them put on cymbalta ( dr Grubb said it would help my gut with my dysaut.)... It in combo with acupuncture worked amazing! I did this for several years. I ruptured while working in MT , as a traveling Resp therapist . No one understood eds ... They kept telling me I had crohns . Hospitalized a week and sent home twice. I had ruptured. We had life flight come get me.. BP was 37/10 .., so they took me back to the local ER .. Had surgery and got MRSA in my cardiac pacemaker ... They were going to take me off the vent to die.. My family flew out and had me flown to Methodist in Indianapolis , IN. They were awesome!!! They researched eds And saved me!! Ive been home 17 months now... I had sooo many complications.., 40 units of blood... I had a great surgeon there and here in Evansville. I'm just so blessed to be doing this well and have my mind. I live alone.. I struggle to get out some days. I miss my job sooo bad... I only traveled the last year of my career. I got involved in support groups to talk to others. I've found my career, as a respiratory therapist with a cardiac specialty to be helpful to many. I spend time explaining med procedures, test results, and disease processes. It helps fill the void of my loved career. I have learned sooo much from others too!! I'd love to talk with you!! I hope to hear from you soon! Have a great Thanksgiving !! I have heard that many variations of EDS are there but not named yet.. They did find a genetic link of POTS/ eDS and MCAD . I have all three.., my POTS has progressed to systemic autonomic dysfunction . Oh I got my ili 11-17-14 and revised on 3-16-15. After my Spleenic artery bleed. I had an open belly from 11/2014 until 3/16/15... I had so much infection and sepsis... Then it healed weird. They revised my incision line ( not actual stoma ) in March ..I wouldn't have had so many issues and complications had I not ruptured.
Thanks for your video..You always have good information and tips....When I start to get pancaking I just push the output down in my pouch, until I can empty it...
Me, too, Pancaking requires more "manual intervention" for sure!
As an ileostomate, I have always preferred a thick output. The leaks that I have encountered have most often been associated with a very fluid, loose output. The one exception is when I take in a lot of bulk such as nuts and certain fruits. This will lead to separation of the karaya seal on my wafer because of excessive dilation of my stoam caused by the overly thick output. (By the way, has anyone ever mentioned to you that you resemble in appearance and mannerisms Adam Schiff, CA member of the House of Representatives?). Thank you for your good videos.
I definitely prefer thick (but not too thick) output as well. I've never been likened to Shiff, but that's quite an honor 😁😁
Yes, he does!
@@VeganOstomy Sure is!
Eric, will you ever be making more videos? An issue I share with other ostomates (especially those of us with colostomies) are parastomal hernias. Mine is about the size of a grapefruit (seriously), and my surgeon doesn't want to try to repair it now (he would only if it becomes dangerous because it is "strangulated," meaning that it's trapping some or all of your digestive organs), and because these hernias usually recur, especially if parts of your abdominal muscles were resected during surgery, and most especially those of us who had surgery in response to an emergency, like a perforated bowel and/or hiatal hernia rather then something like IBD.
I think the biggest issues are selection of systems that will fit, not leak and cosmetic problems.
Convex flanges don't work because the parastomal hernia is just too big for any sort of flexibility to work. Same for every 2-piece system I've ever tried. I've had to settle for a one-piece Coloplast system (#10475), because at least the closure mechanism prevents leaks at the bottom of the bag. But leakage, weight of output that leads to explosions and/or major leaks, and/or pancaking are constant problems. I usually have to change my appliance every 24-36 hours.
Wearing an appliance sideways is absolutely not an option.
Cosmetically, the flange and bag are quite noticeable under any type of clothes with sort of a giant outline. I am female, so I wear maternity pants to at least try to smooth out the bulge.
Hoping you are still out there with any suggestions that might be helpful, because I have always found your advice to be remarkably useful.
I was planning to make some videos over the past couple of months actually, but I had broken my shoulder last month and I'm still recovering. It looks like it's going to be a while before I even consider getting back to making videos at this point. Hernia's are a complication that I'm not sure I'd be qualified to talk about. I've never had one, so I wouldn't be able to share any experiences on managing them. I do believe it's a complication that should be discussed and worked with through a stoma nurse and/or surgeon. There are just too many variables to be able to discuss, and many of my videos deal with my own personal experiences.
@@VeganOstomy Makes very good sense that dealing with hernia problems when you haven't had one is not something you would feel comfortable doing. I'm so glad you've never had one!!!
And so sorry about your.shoulder.
Everyone is different in their choices for what foods they can and can't eat with their stoma. For me, when I get overly thick output and pancaking, a large glass of chocolate milk works magic. 😊
Very true. It's funny, because anything chocolate will turn my output into a thick sludge (the opposite of helping with pancaking!) 😂😂
Got any tips to share?
Thank you. I'm 2 month after emergency surgery so this has been super hard for me.
Emergency surgery is difficult, but I hope it gets easier for you. 👍
Me too - 6 months, and though I don’t want it - I have learned to respect that it saved my life xx
me 12 months finding hard as well.
very helpful thankyou. can anyone help me understand why I have pain with thick output? I dont mean surface skin pain (which I get) but internal achy discomfort/pain. Is it just the effort of my system pushing through the thick output?
Pain should be investigated. Talk to your stoma nurse if you have the opportunity. I might have some pressure pains when my output is thicker, but that can serve as a reminder that I need to loosen my output up.
Thank you for sharing this information. I had this problem last night and my appliance was pushed off. Yikes! Also, I can feel the thicker output which is sometimes very uncomfortable.
What do you mean pushed off? Do you wear an ostomy belt
@randimayes560 the thick output pushes and sits against the inside of the edges of the appliance (flange). The output cannot flow to the bottom of the bag.
Thanks for the video. When my wife was in the hospital recovering from her surgery, she was given Miralax and stool softener which worked well. Have you ever tried this?
I never relied on stool softeners. If anything, a bit of prune juice gets me going. 😂
Vegan Ostomy Ok. Thanks for the reply! Your videos have been very helpful to us. My wife had her surgery two weeks ago today. We obviously had a ton of questions and you’re channel has been a Godsend.
Glad the videos help :) Best to you and your wife!
@@smaze1782 That's exactly what my dr has me taking. 1 stool softener (docusate) and 1 dose of miralax a day. I think it's because I have really slow guts. I definitely need it.
It would be good if there was a closable aperture at the top of the pouch so you can pour in oil or water to dissolve the pancaking output.
Like this? ruclips.net/video/UhobNqe_EUk/видео.html 😁😁
Hi Eric,
I am now just about a year from my surgery, I have a colostomy, and normally I have a nice solid output, which with the help of some lubricating deodorant, drops right down to the bottom of the bag. I have no trouble with the skin at all. Every now and then I do get some thick output that tends to pancake, even I have made myself a list of foods that do that to me, and those are not on my diet, I can sometimes eat something I ate many times and did not have a problem, and suddenly it make my output thick and it pancakes, and turns into a pain in the butt to take care of.
I eat only once a day due to my diabetes, and so far it has kept my blood sugar where it should be, and I drink with my dinner quite a lot. What can cause my output to change like this every so often? I asked my Doctor about the medications I take for my diabetes, and there is nothing there to cause this.
Thank you Eric.
It'd be hard to know if it happens randomly, but a food diary could help to narrow things down and maybe identify a pattern.
Yes I was referring to the ring part were the wafer connects to the bag
+Cindy Sancinito Your output shouldn't come out of that connecting part. If you're having problems with that, double check that the appliance is being snapped in place properly and consider wearing an accessory belt that hooks onto the little tabs coming out the sides of the bag(where it connects).
So helpful, thank you x
I only have had my appliance for 2 nths & still naiive on how 2 do certain things.When I empty my pouch am having water go up 2 my stoma bcuz of pancaking & removing waste in/out the wafer. Is this action of cleaning pouch not good 4 my stoma? Any feedback will b honored.
I often use water to clean my pouch. If you already have a leak forming, then it will only make it worse. But I find that it typically doesn't shorten my wear time.
I've had my colostomy for a month now and accidentally found out in my 1st recovery week that Instant Breakfast causes me to have loose output REAL fast lol Now that I'm back to my regular eating habits, I'm not sure if consuming it again would have the same quick results.
Haha. Some foods will continue to have quick effects, but generally speaking your body will adapt and will naturally slow things down as you've recovered. For a colostomy, assuming you've got a lot of your colon left, the output should be drier and firmer. 👍
My doctor told me to increase my fluid intake to 2 liters of water/liquid per day from the 1.5 liters I was drinking because my kidney medication tends to dehydrate me.
+Mary Torres Good luck, Mary.
Hey Eric. Last time I was in hospital for blockage they irrigated it with a malecot tube. Any videos on that and irrigation?
+Kinetic I wrote about my experience with a blockage but no video. I'd love to one day have info on irrigation (something some colostomates do regularly), but I'd need help to cover that since I don't irrigate.
Vegan Ostomy I asked about doing it at home. They said the risk of bowel perforation was to great, and they'd only do that kind of irrigation in hospital. Believe me I enquired about it. No doctor would agree
Yeah, the type you're describing seems to be very different from the one that colostomates do (and the one that most stoma nurses will even encourage).
I recently went from a colostomy to an ileostomy (result of colon perforation during routine colonoscopy). My output tends to be quite thick and I’m having almost every other day leaks. I’ve tried various appliances, using skin prep or not using it, using paste on the barrier or not, using barrier ring or not - just about every tactic combination you can think of. I had my colostomy for about three years and NEVER had a leak - changing my appliance routinely once a week on Saturday. I do now experience frequent pancaking but I do drink lots of water. I may try adjusting my diet but I don’t believe it leans heavily toward foods that would be causing the thickness. I do mostly use an ostomy belt for support and a Stealth Belt sometimes when I need my apparel to have a smoother appearance. Am I missing anything that might help prevent leaks? Thanks.
Hi Linda. How long ago did you get your ileostomy?
When I have thick output, my stoma retracts as it tries to push through output, which can cause a leak. It's possible that you're experiencing the same, but an ileostomy output shouldn't be so think that you're struggling.
I'd suggest speaking with a stoma nurse about it. I wonder if temporarily trying a mild laxative or stool softener will help. If it does, then at least you have some direction to solving the leaking.
Also, do you find that these leaks happen during the day or at night?
You changed your colostomy bag one a week! Wow. It’s irrelevant now,seeing as you don’t have one. Are you british?
Thanks for this man.
My pleasure 👍
I wear a Hollister New Image deep convex 2-piece and also have thick output. It builds up all around and on top of the stoma inside the plastic ring, especially at nighttime, when I don’t have gravity helping to pull the output to the bottom of the bag. I’ve tried the lubricating drops and they don’t seem to help the buildup inside the ring. I’m only 2 weeks out, so I’m on a low fiber/residue diet. Suggestions for the issue with the plastic ring buildup?
Hi Cyndi, do you have an ileostomy or colostomy? Two weeks is still very new, so you'll likely experience changes to the consistency of your output over the next few weeks or months.
Hi, Eric. Thank you for responding! I have an ileostomy. My husband just got home from the store with some baby oil. You think it would be ok to try a little of that in my bag, especially up around the stoma and plastic ring? I am out of lubricating deodorants (I have just been using samples and haven’t placed my first order with my supplier yet, because we are still trying to find the right bag system for me).
BTW, I wanted to tell you how invaluable your videos have been the past 2 weeks! Thank you for all your help, encouragement and advice!
You can try the baby oil, but it may break down your wafer and/or cause leaks. Keep an eye on things if you do that! You can also try using a lubricating pouch deodorant, which is designed to be used inside of wafers. Take care!
Unfortunately I am currently on a GI soft, low residue diet which is all the things that create thick output... any suggestions?
One thing that I've experimented with is adding a little water to the inside of the bag when I empty it (maybe a tablespoon or so). This will help to mix with any thick stool and make it less difficult to manage.
Of course, I always recommend a dietary approach, but in your case it's worth looking at alternaives like the one I suggested above.
Joanne Reside , I am on a low residue diet as I was in hospital in September with a bowel obstruction, due to scar tissue. It is hard to find a balance. xxx
I am a colostomy patient and my stoma is recessed below my skin. It is in like a hole. I have thick output and no matter what I do the bag gets a leak and it comes off. I change about 2-3 times a day. I have cut the opening huge so the wafer is on my skin it still goes under the wafer. I think I am going to just hit the bathroom when the stool starts n take off the bag and let it go into the toilet. I use miralax every morning with apple juice. I still get pancaking. Post surgery for ruptured diverticulitis. I am at my wits end. I am getting an ostomy nurse this week and hope she will know what to do. I have used the rings, I have built up and stuck it under nothings seems to work.
Linda, I'm sorry to hear that. Working with a stoma nurse will help to troubleshoot. I'm assuming you're already using a convex appliance. Does it help?
@@VeganOstomy I think that is what I had in the hospital there were no leaks. I was given 1 and honestly don’t remember it doing that great. It has only been 4 weeks I am exhausted today. I feel as if I need to redo my bathroom if I am going to be in there so much. Oh I have some samples coming from Coloplast. Hope they get here today as my ostomy nurse is coming tomorrow.
Good luck with everything. Covex is typically what people with recessed stomas would use, since it helps to push the stoma out, which helps to prevent leaks.
The output from Kermit used to be really thick until I started drinking more. I now make up a litre of rehydration/electrolyte drink each day - lemon juice, salt, maple syrup, kombucha and coconut water all topped up with filtered water - and this has really helped. His output is bulkier than it used to be since I transitioned to a 90% whole-food plant-based diet and with all the fibre it tends to be slightly thicker than before, but not appreciably so, and it doesn’t cause a problem.
I would be very interested if you would do a video on living on a vegan diet with an ileostomy. I have been trying to find info about this and can’t find anything anywhere - also the benefits of probiotics if you have no colon. The area of the gut microbiome is very recent in terms of research and nothing seems to be being done about ileostomates (we are a small minority!) - I drink kefir and kombucha daily. I know the bulk of microbes reside in the colon but there are still some in the ileum and I would love further info on this subject.
Keep the videos coming - they are really informative and Kermit and I really enjoy watching them together lol!!
I do have various articles and videos speaking about being vegan with an ostomy and they are indexed on my website: www.veganostomy.ca/diet-nutrition/
You may also be interested in reading interviews from vegan ostomates: www.veganostomy.ca/interviews/
On the topic of probiotics and the gut microbiome, it can get complicated because the research is new and not all products are alike. I'm not even sure I want to go there at this time!
=)
Vegan Ostomy Thanks Eric! Very thoughtful reply. I understand your reticence regarding the gut microbiome. I think we shall have to wait patiently and see where the research leads as it’s still early days. Thank you for the links to your site which I shall definitely be exploring as soon as I get time. Finally, thank you for the heart!!
@@ShoshiPlatypus No problem ;)
Vegan Ostomy Oooh another heart!! Thanks. Hope you are having a good day.
I asked my surgeon about this. He recommends a nutritional solution - yogurt or something else that’s vegan with live cultures vs a otc, man made probiotic tablet. Hope this helps.
hi Eric another great video i get thick out put sometimes and it does pancake when this happens I try and push it down towards the bottom of the pouch from the outside of the bag of course. Lol. hope you have a great day chat soon with results and the names of the cemicals what they have tested me for look forward to the vlog.
Mine is thick today last night I was getting shape pain that lasted only a few mins each time the same side as my bag it’s gone now but it really hurt
Do you know why I was getting this it’s gone today thank god
I had pains for at least the first few months as my body healed. Sometimes pain with bowel movements can indicate a blockage or partial blockage. You'll notice the pain coming in waves as your bowels contract with peristalsis. This can happened from time to time, but I wouldn't consider it normal if it's happening all of the time after you've recovered from your surgery. Keep an eye on it and speak with your doctor or stoma nurse if you have any concerns.
Thank you, this was great information, as I have a colonoscopy.
Thanks for watching, Norma!
I started wearing a belt several month ago. I have a colostomy and sometimes my output can be quite loose. My bag was coming off even with the Colopast barrier strips. The belt has really made a huge difference. I average 7 days out of my bag now.
That's great to hear, Melanie! Are you using a belt that clips to the side of your wafer or a different style?
@@VeganOstomy Yes it clips onto my wafer. I wear a Coloplast Sensura Mio concave wafer. It clips onto each side and gives me extra protection.
@@melaniepoulton6738 Nice! Yeah, those belts do work pretty well and I've used both the Hollister and Coloplast versions :)
Please explain what you mean by pancaking, please. Thanks so much.
Hi JazzyJ. "Pancacking" is when your output clumps up in a thick mass around your stoma, rather than sliding down to the bottom of the bag. I have another video that explores this topic further: ruclips.net/video/3EIC4zrUups/видео.html
@@VeganOstomy Wow, how nice of you ro reply so quickly...thanks. I love your videos, your suggestions and your upbeat, normal handling of these stoma topics. Keep them coming, please!
I am an ileostomate and prefer output to be more on the thick side because I feel when more fluid it gets between the stoma and wafer, thus wearing it down faster. Also when it over fills the liquid output is harder to empty due to it coming out before i can get the pouch opened properly and the tab secured to the velcro (I use Coloplast Sensura click pouches and flanges) and i have to tactfully go about emptying it lol.
However too thick of output makes my stoma which already tends to "dip" down to the left to nearly invert and the output leaks under and out on that side. Not a fun situation to wake up to.
+Vegan Barbarian Yes, you certainly need to find a balance. Liquid output comes with its own set of problems, just like really thick output does. Fortunately, we have ways of controlling it either way 😊
Vegan Barbarian - I hang the bag into the toilet before I start to open it. I have 100% liquid output about 95% of the time. Just open it very slowly, as slow as you can. The other 5% of the time, it's about a third of the thickness of pudding, or thin baby food. I also,use warm water, dump it into the bag, close it part way and swish it around to clean out the bag. Then I drop it back into the toilet and open it slowly.
Angel For Animals Yeah i get close to the bowl also when it's very full of liquid and air. Opening it slow isn't an option in that case haha as the gas in the bag pushes it right out. You're brave putting water in there. I would worry about it getting around the stoma and wearing down the wafer. Sorry to hear your output is so fluid. It's easier to wipe out than sticky viscous 💩 though eh?
Vegan Barbarian mine goes from water to thick back and forth sometimes. I prefer it thicker , if I have a choice ... It tends to fill the bag fast when liquid. I fear of out it will do it in 5 mins ! It mostly does this after my diuretics though.. Eating my largest meal before I take them helps. I have a filter to help with gas. I love the first day of a new bag!! No gas!!! Wish it would last longer though . It's still better than their issues I had before my rupture. I can eat so much better now.. My nausea isn't 24x7 as before.. I just chase the texture with what starches u can eat and good ole water! This was supposed to be a temporary ili.. But they don't think it's safe to try to put me back together. With my eds ... I'll Prob rupture again. My body couldn't go through another rupture, sepsis , ARDS, and complications. I guess I'm thrilled to be eating and doing better !! Remind me of this lol next time I wake up with output under my wafer! Ugh !!! It makes a mess if gets on top of the rings and under the wafer !! Oh joy!! ;)
Amy McMahel Yup mine goes from thick to liquid willy nilly sometimes. It's hard to tell when but it's almost always at inopportune moments like right when i leave the house lol right when i think the output is over. It happens a lot at night that I'll go to bed after emptying and it fills right up again 2 or 3 times. The filtered bags are good but yeah, only for a day until it gets clogged. I ruptured too but it was in the OR and what was supposed to be a laparoscopic procedure turn into an open belly one so they could yank the colon out and clean me out before sepsis set in. Very sorry to hear you have EDS. I recently learned how badly it affects the organs and the problems that can occur with ostomies, you have my respect for going through what you have. I'm glad that you're eating better and not so nauseous and have a better quality of life now. Lol on those mornings when we wake up and the stoma and waste has breached the seal, a reminder of how it used to be without the pouch keeps me grounded as well. Thanks for sharing Amy and take care. Us ostomates and IBD, UC and Crohn's sufferers/survivors need to stick together :-)
What is a good, safe, lubrican for the ostomy bag? I saw one video that suggested a few drops of olive oil. I am only a week and a half into colostomy life, and my output is pancaking a lot.
You can sample the ones made for use in an ostomy bag, and those are safe and don't create issues with the seal of the bag.
However, I've known people to use stuff like baby oil, cooking oil, and they've reported no real issues.
My advice regardless of what you use is to keep the lubricant away from the opening where your stoma comes out of. You can get it on the walls of the bag, but try not to have any actual liquid near that opening.
I’ve tried two brand name lubricants/deodorants and both them appear to got through the barrier ring and caused the wafer to lift. This may happen when I’m lying down and the lube moves up to the top of the bag. Neither stopped the pancaking which is a never-ending battle for me. 😢
@@RonsonDalby That's a shame! I would suggest putting in enough to be able to coat the inside of the bag, but not enough for it to pool up anywhere.
Thanks, Eric. 😊
Is it supposed to come out of the Ring part because that is a problem for me
+Cindy Sancinito Hi Cindy, can you explain that a bit more? Are you referring to the ring part that connects the wafer and bag?
That is the problem that I am having, as well. I wear a Hollister New Image 2-piece deep convex and it builds up all around and on top of the stoma in the plastic ring. It also clogs the filter up. This is worse at night, when I don’t have gravity helping to pull the output down into the bag.
If paste is showing up through my flange did I put too much or am I leaking?
You won't know if it's a leak until you remove your wafer. But if some is coming up from the opening that your stoma goes through, I wouldn't worry too much if you aren't having any other issues. You can try using less paste the next time.
Hi Eric this is Patricia from Toronto I went in to find out where we were talking before about the bags I bought off Amazon and to be honest I'm sick with the flu I just picked this one because I have that issue😮😮😮 actually it goes from one extreme to the next😢😢 regarding the one piece bags I got for $2 they are working out fabulous I am at a point where I'm retired and I am home quite a bit so I can work with changing my bag more I also wanted to tell you about a tip I found I bought the inexpensive adhesive remover wipes but they are small and they seem to irritate my skin so I have a glass spray bottle I got from Dollarama with oil in it and I put it in my bathroom for the same problem you're talking about pancaking add spray with the oil help did a lot❤❤ now I have discovered if the flange is sticking I just spray a little oil and it comes off like magic without any pulling❤❤❤ I was concerned about the oil not making the next flange stick but I just swipe with a dry baby wipe and no problems the area under my flange is probably been the best it's been in years❤❤ is sorry if this seems incoherent because I have the flu and I probably a little delirious LOL also you can't imagine as a senior on a fixed income how much this has changed how I perceive off to me supplies because before I used to shudder if I changed my supplies twice a day which happens with IBS and now if I do it's $4 as opposed to 50 so yeah it's a weight off my shoulder I wish I could tell everybody I called ostomy Canada about giving information but no one ever calls you back there I don't even know if it's a real site😂😂😂😂
I hope you're feeling better soon, Patricia! I'm surprised about the oil, especially if it's not affecting the next wafer.
What oil is in the bottle? Cooking oil or a lubricant oil?
@@VeganOstomyI just use regular cooking oil that I put in a bottle that sprays that I purchased from Dollarama for three or four dollars and to be honest I thought it might be a problem and I'm surprised as you are for the next wafer😮😮😮😮😮 I find the part of the flange you cut is stickier than either Hollister or coloplast which surprised me they also have tabs with Tape I usually don't remove because I change my bag more often and these bags I can wear for 2 days almost I never get that with the other ones in a few years something has changed sorry I'm still a little delirious from the flu😂😂😂😂 but yeah it seems like the simpler it gets the better my body likes it I don't use O-rings anymore I don't need extenders just the plain one piece bag has been sufficing😮😮😮😮😮 you can't imagine how grateful I am to go from spending $300 sometimes more a month and that's only for the bag and pouch not the extras so to go to spend $80 a month which is 40 bags😮😮😮😮 I just want to tell everyone that's why I'm giving you so much information because I know you're a popular Channel and I know other people are struggling with all costs not just asking because❤❤❤❤ thank you Eric for your service to a lot of people that are learning from your Channel❤❤❤
@@patriciadavis1393That's great! I've heard of people using Pam cooking spray in their appliance to prevent output from sticking (I haven't tried it myself), but it's nice that regular cooking oil has been working for you! And the money saved is awesome! Congrats.
Please do a video on salt intake. That's all I crave like crazy
Do you have an ileostomy? I wouldn't be surprised if you're craving salt if you've got an ileostomy since we don't absorb electrolytes as well as someone with a colon.
Salt has always been a topic that I've had interest in, and I may have to do some research before doing a video on it. Great suggestion.
Kinetic me too!!!
yes. An ileostomy.
Kinetic me too! My colon ruptured at the cecum of my Colon. I call it an ili lol! I'm a respiratory therapist . We call iliostomy " ili" and colostomy " coli".,, we get lazy in jargon at work lol. I've had mine since 11/17/14.
I crave salt like mad as well. It used to worry me until as Eric mentioned, I was informed of the inability of ostomates to absorb electrolytes.
My output is really thick. I drink two gallons of water a day. I limit the fiber in my diet and try to eat what they call low residue foods. The low residue foods listed all seem to be foods that would've caused constipation before my ileostomy. It's so confusing. I don't know what to do. In the morning, I have some magnesium and warm water mixed with a teaspoon of sea salt. That seems to clear things out and get back on track. But later in the day, my outout thickens up again and starts to look like wet sand. It creeps out of my stoma slowly, like a snail 🐌
Do you have an ileostomy or colostomy? Is this thicker output causing problems? If not, I wouldn't worry too much. My ileostomy output can often be quite thick, and while I find it annoying to empty, it's less prone to leaking and easier to manage.
I have an ileostomy. I'm wondering if there's a hernia or something else causing a kink at the end of my intestine because the top right side is raised underneath the stoma. If I press down on it, it seems to help the output push through. I should get a scan done and see what's going on. If it's diet, I have no idea what else I could eat... 🤔
It wouldn't hurt to have a stoma nurse take a look. I have a small bulge, but it's not a hernia. Typically, if things aren't causing any problems, no intervention is needed.
@VeganOstomy Okay, that's what I'll do. A part of me hopes there is a problem there, then at least I'd know the reason for my thick output. If my bag is pressed against to stoma, even just touching, it will stop the output. The lubricant doesn't seem to be enough. I've thought about using a stoma guard and taping the outside of the bag to the inside of the guard. I don't understand how people can wear fitted belts, clothing, or tuck their bag into their pants without blocking their stomw and restricting their output. Everyone seems to be okay with it... 🤷♂️
@@stretch.wilson. I don't like things blocking my stoma, so I never wear my bag under my pants. It's easier to pull off if you have a colostomy, but I couldn't do it with an active ileostomy!
Try these things if you find that contact with your stoma stops output: add air to your bag when you empty or roll up some toilet paper so it creates space between the walls of the bag. This is the same strategy you might use to help with "pancaking" and should create space for output and a bit of a buffer to prevent things from pushing up against your stoma.
ostomy colon cut and stitch have trouble sitting down /standing very thick have to used water to clean _/what a mess wife ready to throw me out / how much times should do this / insurance only 20 bags a month / I guess the eater beat up the bags / trying the p9 today no blow up with gas so far/ wake up to a balloon / please help
Hi Mark, when did you have your surgery and do you have an ileostomy or colostomy? The beginning is always a challenge, but things do tend to settle down with time. Do you have a stoma nurse who can help with some of those difficulties?
colostomy with retumcancer they have the cancer out but cut 4 months / no ostomy nurse / good point / check with operation sur doctor's once after been on my own with you and utube thank god
thank you ostomy nurse tell me more about my stitches and standing up cleaning with water 1pcs Coloplast just paste with half moon edges protection
My moms ileostomy output is sometimes watery and sometimes VERY thick and I never know which it will be until I check. She does eat a lot of hash browns in the morning so that could explain the thickness and I don't closely monitor how much she drinks so perhaps when she also drinks a lot, it loosens up but otherwise stays thick. One time it was so thick that I decided it was better to just replace the bag with a fresh one and toss the used one.
To deal with the smell, sometimes what I do is put some Fabuloso in a catch pan (just enough to cover the bottom of the catch pan), and then empty her output into that. It helps some and then after I clean the catch pan (it is similar to an oil catch pan except it is rectangular, not round, and not as thick and heavy), I leave the Fabuloso scented cleaner in the catch pan so it makes the bathroom smell better too and is ready for the next output a few hours later.
Try adding some Hollister M9 to her bag - this stuff has worked incredibly well at reducing/eliminating odors.
The inconsistent output could have a lot to do with diet. Hash browns (and most potato products) will thicken things up a lot. Too thick isn't always good, but if she drinks with that meal, it might help to keep things a little looser and more manageable.
I have athick output and very very active,i have a colostomy,any advise??
and very active all night long
Hi Brenda, is this normal for you or has it happened suddenly? Do you irrigate your colostomy?
This is normal for me...not sure what u mean by irragate
+Brenda Snowdon Colostomates often flush (irrigate) their colon with water. I don't have any videos on this, but a stoma nurse would be able to show you how this is done. The idea is that it allows you to empty your colon when you want and it often prevents output for many hours or the entire day.
How do you feel about rinsing out the output and bag with water?
I do it sometimes if I've got pasty output, but i try not to let too much water splash or sit around my stoma. If possible, I keep the water towards the bottom half of the wafer, which is usually the only place that needs to be rinsed.
@@VeganOstomy Why do you worry about the stoma getting wet? I usually change the wafer in the shower, and use Cetaphil soap to wash the skin around the stoma; obviously the stoma itself get wet.
I come out of the shower feeling very clean. I use paper towel to dry off the skin around the stoma, by the way.
@@mindyp51d I'm not actually worried about the stoma getting wet, like in the shower. But when I rinse my bag, my stoma tends to shrink, which causes leaks. I try not to get water on it when rinsing the bag to prevent leaks :)
@@VeganOstomy Thanks for this conversation, I really, really appreciate it!!!!!
I had no idea that the stoma shrinks when it gets wet!!!! Why would it do this?
P.S.: Btw, when I rinse out my bag, I also keep the water in the lower half or 2/3rd of the bag and away from the stoma itself.
My stoma usually shrinks when cold water hits it, but not so much with warmer water. Because the bottle I use to rinse my bag tends to be room temperature, it's often cold enough to shrink it enough to cause a problem. I just avoid getting it wet when I rinse the bag out 👍
What about a dulcolax laxative?
Laxatives are a bit of a grey area because they can lead to a blockage. I strognly suggeset speaking to your doctor or stoma nurse before using a laxative, although I'm sure a stool softener may be given over a laxative.
My dr had had me in docusate (1/day) and miralax (1 dose/day). I have very slow moving guts so it helps me.
I have a question to anyone that can answer . Do any of you every get output that has trouble coming out the stoma without help ? I have to gently push on my belly to get it to pass. I often get undigested food ... From my gastroparesis . My entire GI system is floppy from my eds too. My dr said to gently push . It seems to be the last 4-6 inches affected the worst ..
Amy McMahel Yeah i get this after digesting a big meal or super thick smoothie. Exactly as you said too, the last 4 or 6 inches and that's how much my abdomen bulges out when it happens. I push on it too to get it out so my stoma protrudes just a little bit and doesn't retract ,almost invert and dip under the flange the way it otherwise would
Vegan Barbarian yes!!!. I'm that way a lot... I guess that's from my gastroparesis .. My gut moves so slow.. Then boom Dumps. But yes.. Larger meals and thicker foods worsen it.bill have to work on those issues. That may help ! Thanks so much !
I dont have an ostomy but how well are you chewing your food. Sometimes just a few more seconds in your mouth can make a huge difference. I have a very slow digestive system and that helps me with the pain and constipation
Sorry I don't know your name....... but I got a few other friends to subscribe ..I told them how helpful the videos are...
haha, it's Eric. Thanks!
Vegan Ostomy you know I should really pay attention more lololololol . Just kidding with you.
If you're a person who suffers from a hiatal hernia, having liquid with your food/dinner can lead to indigestion. And horrendous heartburn..... ☮️⚛️
:( That sounds awful. If you do suffer from chronic heartburn and still need to thicken your output, you may need to get creative or find options that don't aggravate it.
Vegan Ostomy Firstly thank You for replying. And secondly, I realise I should've said I don't have an Ostomy. It's just from what I've been told and read, drinking any kind of liquid with your dinner, if you suffer from hiatal hernia isn't a great idea. As that liquid just adds to the digestive load your stomach has to deal with. And unfortunately if you have a hiatal hernia sometimes that means more stomach contents being regurgitated. Thank heavens my bouts of severe indigestion don't happen everyday. But when they do, of late, it's horrendous. Not only from the pain it inflicts but from the concern about what stomach acids can do to your throats lining and how it also affects your teeth ....... ☮️⚛️
I hit the water and gatorade in large quantities. The worst case scenario ; you pee more. I definitely prefer the oatmeal consistency for over night - nothing worse than waking up with a bulging bag ready to burst.
+nexusvideo Haha! Glad that works for you!
I 2 drink G2 Gatorade, water all day & still pancaking. What is the oatmeal consistency? Pls explain in detail.
Hi Francis, do you have an ileostomy or colostomy? There are often many reasons why pancaking happens, and not all are related to diet or fluid intake.
Hello Eric, I have an ostomy for 2 mths & stoma lined up 2 my skin. I don't have a go to person 2 help me continue learning. I don't know why, pancaking continues 2b an issue w/me. Due 2 this problem pouch gets empty @ least 5xs a day. Stoma gets rinse/cleaned w/non-allergi wipes/plain water if feces stuck in/out of wafer. Is this type of care harmful 2 stoma? HOLLISTER sending me a different appliance 2c if pancaking will stop. Am beginning 2 feel as if am babysitting my appliance & not able 2 move 4ward w/ life. Pls, any suggestions will b honored. Thanks.
Consider some of the other tips in this article : www.veganostomy.ca/pancaking-ostomy-tips/
I only use a plain gauze pad with plain water to clean around my stoma. Never any wipes as they tend to have ingredients that make it difficult for the appliance to stay on if not rinsed properly.
I have a colostomy. Thick output.