You may run into difficulties if your stoma output is more than a litre a day. You are likely to get dehydrated if your stoma output is more than 1500ml in a day. The shorter the length of functioning bowel to your stoma, the less time the gut has to absorb water, salt and food.
A high stoma output may occur if your stoma is newly formed, your bowel is affected by disease or treatment, or your bowel is shortened by formation of a temporary stoma (for example after pouch formation).
If you are dehydrated you may experience increased thirst, and a dry sticky mouth. You may feel lethargic, light headed, and pass small volumes of dark, strong smelling urine.
The colour of your urine is a good guide to see how well hydrated you are. A clear, pale yellow colour suggests good hydration whereas a more concentrated, dark yellow colour may indicate you are getting dehydrated. Please check the colour of your urine every day.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above and feel dehydrated, please contact the Stoma Care department or your GP for further advice.
Drinking plain water will speed up your stoma, and cause you to lose more water and salt.
Your stoma output may be reduced by:
How can I increase my salt intake?
How can I reduce my fibre intake?
Fibrous foods are difficult to digest, and may increase your stoma output especially if eaten in large quantities or not properly chewed.
When your stoma output settles, you may want to reintroduce some of these foods, but start with small portions, well-cooked, and chew them carefully.
Medications to slow your stoma down
Medicines like loperamide and codeine thicken up stoma output and reduce the volume. They are best taken 30 minutes before food. You may also be prescribed anti-secretory medicine such as omeprazole or ranitidine to reduce your stomach acid production.
High protein foods will help to limit weight loss, and help to maintain muscle e.g. meat, fish, quorn, tofu, full fat milk, cheese and yoghurts.
If your appetite is poor, take smaller and more frequent meals. These can be supplemented by snacks like crisps, biscuits, muffins, cakes and crumpets
Fortify your meals: Add 4 tablespoons of skimmed milk powder to 1 pint of whole milk and use on cereals, puddings and in beverages. Add margarine, butter or grated cheese to vegetables, potatoes and soups. Try adding custard, double cream or ice cream to puddings for extra energy.
If you have a poor appetite, any difficulties with eating sufficient amounts of food, or continue to lose weight, then ask to be referred to a dietician.
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