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What to eat and drink with an ostomy

If you have an ileostomy, colostomy, or urostomy, you may have questions about your diet. Should you follow a special diet? Are there foods to avoid? What about alcohol?

In general, the foods that were healthy for you before surgery remain suitable, though some considerations may be necessary. Below, you'll find guidance on what to eat and drink, tips for managing ballooning and odour, and so much more to support your comfort and well-being.

Diarrhea & food blockage advice

Experiencing diarrhea?

Experiencing diarrhea?

Like everyone else, you may have diarrhea once-in-a-while. Find out what to do when it happens. What to do about diarrhea?

What to do about diarrhoea?

Like everyone else, you may have diarrhoea once-in-a-while. But in general, a brief period of diarrhoea is not something to be worried about – it could be related to something you ate and will often take care of itself.

However, three or more loose stools in a row are indeed a cause for concern, as you risk becoming dehydrated, and you should consult your ostomy care nurse.

If you have an ileostomy

If you have an ileostomy and experience diarrhoea you will lose a lot of salt – around 1 tea spoon per litre of stool. Therefore, it is very important to sprinkle some extra salt on your meals.

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Trouble with food blockage?

Trouble with food blockage?

Certain foods can cause blockages—learn how to prevent them and what to do if one occurs. Learn more about food blockage

Learn about food blockage - and what to do

Chewing carefully is very important to get a good start to the digestive process. This applies especially if you eat foods that are hard to digest (such as nuts). Some foods, especially high fibre foods, can cause a food blockage, where undigested parts of food block the bowel. Chewing well can help, but a food blockage can be serious.

How do I know I have a food blockage?

It can cause cramping; pain and watery stool, and your abdomen and ostomy may become swollen. If you think you have a food blockage, you should:

  • Call your doctor or nurse or go to an emergency room.
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Avoid solid foods for 24 hours and stick to soups instead

Preventing a blockage is easier than treating one, so chew your food thoroughly and be sensible with your food options, and you should be able to have a normal, healthy diet.

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Colostomy Irrigation: Learn about how it works

Irrigation of a colostomy

Irrigation of a colostomy

Colostomy irrigation can help regulate bowel movements and provide more freedom in daily life. In this video, learn how the process works, its benefits, and whether it might be a good option for you. Watch now to get expert tips on getting started!

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Irrigation of a colostomy

What is irrigation?

Irrigation is a water enema. To irrigate requires the stool to be comparatively firm. Therefore only people with a colostomy whose ostomy is placed in the descending section of the colon (descendens or sigmoideum) can use this method.

 

Can I just perform an irrigation if I want to?

Irrigation should not be learned on ones own but supervised by a competent professional. Training can occur no sooner than 10 days after surgery. Irrigation should be scheduled as a regular routine every 48 hours, and is therefore not a procedure to be performed occasionally. Occasional irrigation will result in a risk of diarrhoea – this is also the case if irrigation is used as an enema in constipation.

 

How long does it take?

To irrigate takes three quarters of an hour up to an hour, which makes it appropriate to place the irrigation at a time that considers other family members.

 

What are the pros and cons of irrigation?

The advantages with irrigation can be:

  • Regain Control – Helps regulate bowel movements, making output more predictable.
  • Use a Smaller Appliance – Allows for a smaller pouch, such as a cap or Minicab, reducing skin irritation and improving comfort.
  • Less Odor and Noise – Minimizes gas-related sounds and odors, enhancing confidence in social situations.
  • Improved Quality of Life – Can provide greater freedom and reduce concerns about unexpected output.

The disadvantages of irrigation are:

  • Time-Consuming – The process takes about 45-60 minutes per session.
  • Requires a Toilet – Irrigation must be done in a private setting with proper facilities.
  • Needs Consistency – It must be done regularly; skipping sessions can lead to irregular bowel movements or diarrhea.
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Disclaimer: These are general guidelines meant to help you with typical questions. You should follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider and the intermittent catheterization or ostomy solution you are using. Also, please note that if your nurse gave you any specific dietary advice, you should always follow that advice.

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