Foods I cannot eat increasing after ileostomy surgery

[Tess]

Hi,
I had permanent ileostomy surgery in 2007 and my 'list' of foods I cannot eat is significantly increasing that I cannot eat.
I cannot eat ANY vegetables...even in pureed form, nothing even 'mildly' spicy, I cannot even have one drink socially,
and so on...
I do not have pain...but my observations are based on a sudden 'gush' of stool or 'hot' liquid that compromises the seal of
my ileostomy bag and being up more than usual at night emptying or replacing my pouch.
I eat all the recommended 'dry' foods (crackers, pretzels, dry cereal, etc) to help absorb the liquid that is common problem
with stools and, also, take immodium.
I am becoming increasingly frustrated and sick of my limited list of foods I can eat.
Has anyone else experienced these problems?

[Cj51]

This is a cancer support forum, so it may be that the reason you're not getting much response is that we're not that expert in ostomy issues, unless they are a result of chemo. You may get a better response to your question over at the UOAA forums.
Best of luck to you,
Cj

[Alec]

I have a temporary ileotomy, 5 months so far and we're talking about a reversal in a few months. I am also finding it does seem to be quite dramaticaly afected by diferent foods. I am starting to experiment to see what may make life away from home (the toilet) a little easier, and the thought of not getting up three times a night sounds great. I am surprised to hear you have problems with leakage, surely this is more of a problem with the device you are using. I only had one single leak and they changed the type of bag I use and it solved the problem.
Good Luck!

[Bob_Weiss]

During the nine months I had my temporary ileostomy, the ostomy website mentioned above was enormously helpful; not only with foods to eat, but more important for me the right ostomy pouch to use. My bag started leaking and sliding off during my second month, because the pouch style I was using after surgery was no longer appropriate. If not for the ostomy site members insightful responses, I would have become a nervous wreck. They solved my problem and my remaining 7 months wearing the new style pouches were very bearable.

[Surroundedbylove]

I found that eating soluble fiber greatly improved things - Immodium works in the colon much more than the small intestine so it didn't help much with an ileostomy. Soluble fiber like apple (no peel), dates, and oatmeal really helped to "gel" up the output. I needed soluble fiber with every meal - and at least a full serving of it.

Also, on the seal - I too found that changing appliances helped. A convex wafer and Eakins Seals made a difference. Please do check out uoaa.org - they helped me a lot.

SBL

[cbownds]

I know exactly how you feel. Oh how I miss broccoli, popcorn, and peanuts.