Ostomy care tips: Keeping Hydrated with an Ostomy

Dehydration is a risk when you've got an ostomy. In this video, I'll share some tips to help you stay hydrated.
The full article for dealing with hydration can be found here:
www.veganostomy.ca/keeping-hy...
My tips on how to deal with liquid ostomy output:
www.veganostomy.ca/dealing-li...
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www.veganostomy.ca
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Tobu - Hope [NCS Release]
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[@gloriaruth573]

As a new ostomate, I find your videos extraordinarily helpful.

[@VeganOstomy]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@SaraRinger]

Eric, this was a very good and thorough video. Great job!

[@freddielugo1486]

I learned about hydration the hard way, with a couple trips to the ER!!!

[@ShoshiPlatypus]

I am another one who tends not to drink enough. A few months ago I found a recipe online for a delicious rehydration drink which includes Kombucha (fermented tea) which I make every week. Juice of 1 lemon - source of vitC I tsp salt - I use pink Himalayan rock salt which contains other minerals apart from sodium (hence the pink colour) I tab maple syrup - for the necessary sugar, and also delicious - you can also use honey 1/2 cup kombucha - excellent probiotic 1 cup coconut water - you can shop around for best price - here in UK, Lidl is great Top up to 1 litre with filtered water. Blitz it in a blender and pour into a litre bottle. I make this every evening and put it in the fridge ready for the next day. It is deeeelicious and I never tire of it! Yes, it’s a bit more of an effort than opening a bottle of Gatorade but it’s now part of my daily routine and I don’t really think about it. Before I started doing this I think I was a bit dehydrated. My output was very thick, and I also suffered from dry eyes. Both these problems have gone away. I do get a bit fed up with having to go to the toilet so often though - my bladder always seems to be full these days!!! Urine a good pale colour and oudour free. I eat loads of fruit and veg and this probably helps too. Hope this info helps someone.

[@grannyruth4]

Thanks

[@ShoshiPlatypus]

@@grannyruth4 I’ve now altered the recipe slightly. I no longer use the maple syrup, but blend 3 or 4 pitted dates with the liquid for sweetness (and extra fibre and phytonutrients) - it is even more delicious than before. Also, I am now making soya milk yoghurt which I strain to thicken it. I keep the clear whey in a bottle and add this to my home-made bread if I happen to be making a batch in the bread maker, but if not, it goes in my drink to supplement the liquid (more probiotics). All in all, this is a delicious drink and I know what it contains - lots and lots of goodness! I have been undergoing treatment with a physio for the past few weeks to try and regulate my bladder a bit - I have nerve damage from chemo 5 years ago which means I have lost sensation and can’t feel that my bladder is full till it’s bursting. She has told me to go every 2 hours to retrain my bladder and shrink it back to a more normal size from being over-stretched which wasn’t helping with the retention. She acknowledged that I had to drink more than most people because of the ileostomy. This regimen is working well for me and I am now managing my bladder output really well, along with my stoma output!

[@cmarshall102]

Brilliant videos Eric. I have just had Ileostomy and you have helped so much. Thank you.

[@VeganOstomy]

My pleasure, Cynthia. Thanks for watching!

[@christinechapman6982]

Very good Eric i have been very unwell with my ileostomy you are so helpful trying to work on my dehydration great having you there

[@VeganOstomy]

I hope things get better for you soon, Christine. Good luck!

[@wandaannk]

Great video once again. Hope you and your family have an awesome Christmas

[@VeganOstomy]

Thanks! Have a Happy Holiday!

[@tametrastephens]

Thanks for sharing. Very helpful.💙

[@praisejesusnow]

Thankyou, Eric, helpful! God bless.

[@bkrybabe]

Good info. Thanks again

[@sherryslr]

I have a recent colostomy. My doctor’s staff suggested sports drinks, but they have SO much sugar, and I have cancer and didn’t want to consume cancer’s favorite fuel in large quantities. I found an electrolyte powder that I use all the time. It’s got just a hint of lemon, makes my water taste great, helps me enjoy all that water I now drink, and keeps my electrolytes replenished. Thanks for ALL your helpful videos. When I first came home from the hospital, I felt SO isolated as far as ostomy experience. My stoma nurse recommended your channel, and I immediately realized that I’m NOT ALONE. You’ve helped me SO much Eric. Thank you!

[@VeganOstomy]

The glucose in sports drinks do help with absorption, but homemade recipes and even commercial preparations that use starch instead are great alternatives. I'm partial to using v8 for added electrolytes 😁

[@sherryslr]

Yes! It’s wonderful to be able to drink V8 and tomato juice without worrying about all that sodium!

[@VeganOstomy]

@@sherryslr Here's a tip: If your daily sodium intake needs to be cut back, the low-sodium version of V8 contains more potassium (another electrolyte) compared to the regular stuff. So you'll still be able to enjoy it and continue to get the benefits of electrolytes all around!

[@paulinedriscoll3615]

Sherry Sile

[@hudsond110]

Gatorade Zero has no sugar and has electrolytes and crystal light also.

[@grandadp798]

Excellent advice ! Many thanks.

[@VeganOstomy]

My pleasure!

[@ashleywalker8778]

I went to school to be a dietitian and your tips and content are great! You are giving me ideas and tips that I never would have even thought of! So helpful.

[@VeganOstomy]

+Ashley Walker 😀😀 Awesome! That makes me so happy to hear. Are you a RD now?

[@ashleywalker8778]

I actually did not sit for the RD exam. After I did my internship I decided it wasn't what I wanted to do. Unfortunate, but I am happy with what I do now and it works a lot better with my Crohn's.

[@VeganOstomy]

+Ashley Walker And that's all that matters! Glad you found something that works for you :)

[@roswytube]

Thank you. My daughter just had a protocolecotmy. This is very helpful.

[@VeganOstomy]

Best of luck to your daughter!

[@roswytube]

Thanks. It has been a very tough fight against CD.

[@michaelramos3616]

Thank you for your time knowledge and expertise

[@VeganOstomy]

Thanks for watching!

[@Donna61111]

When I drink the gatorade I water it down quite a bit.:-) I will look into the vegetable drinks, great idea.

[@wandaannk]

I might as well pour the coffee in the bag lol

[@katiekellen4736]

Very helpful

[@VeganOstomy]

Glad it helps 😊

[@liz-go5sl]

As I sit here, not yet an ostomy patient, your videos are like an encyclopedia of how to survive a tricky medical condition. Have you ever considered writing a book, or you may have and I'm not aware of it. It would be most beneficial for anyone suffering with gastrointestional problems. Keep it up....Liz

[@VeganOstomy]

Thanks, Liz. My website (www.veganostomy.ca) is my book 😁 But in seriousness, I had considered it, but put most of my energy into making videos and articles to go with them. Take care! 👋

[@robinford336]

Thank you

[@corsetedostomate1200]

I use LMNT and Liquid IV. Helps also as my sodium has been extremely low too.

[@ismata3274]

You helped me care for my mom a lot. She has ileostomy and we had a small acute renal failure attack..... After threatment, which thank god didn't turn to chronic renal failure, I found your videos. Thank you Soo very much. And your stoma care tips too were very very helpful.

[@VeganOstomy]

You're welcome! I hope that your mom is doing better now! Best to you both, Eric. 👋

[@ismata3274]

@@VeganOstomy 😃 Thank you. She is good now. 🥰So far no relapse. 🙏 (she is a colon ca patient.)

[@VeganOstomy]

@@ismata3274 Yay for Mom! 💪💪💪💪💪👍👍😊

[@EdiQ1985]

Thanks for the Video :) Hello from Ecuador :)

[@VeganOstomy]

You're welcome from Canada 🇨🇦 😁

[@user-nd8oj3rw8x]

Dry good advice as always. I’m having ileostomy surgery today April 2 2024. Ty for your advice it’s very helpful.

[@VeganOstomy]

Wishing you a smooth recovery!

[@patriciajames9446]

Tysm 😮

[@TiffanyM3]

Body Armor sports drink is another great hydration option. I drank it daily even before my ileostomy. Love that it has NO artificial sweeteners as my taste is sensitive to anything other than cane sugar. Give the orange-mango flavor a try! 🍊🥭

[@eevee8861]

V8 is an interesting tip. Vege juice/V8 isn't a popular product here so there's really only one or two (basically the original) that seem to have potassium rich ingredients. I think I might grab a bottle and chuck some in a smoothie and hope for the best 😅

[@69Afrikah]

Grabbing V8's tomorrow!!! Always have low potassium issues already because of the asthma steroids I have to be on. Great info!!!

[@VeganOstomy]

+69Afrikah The low-sodium V8 will have a lot more potassium vs the regular, but it will have a slightly different taste (which you may or may not like).

[@tadealessa3392]

Thank you so much for your hint. I’ve loved it .As I told I’ve a urostomy and a I’ve practiced like an intuition or something like that, so I drink water as according I am thirsty. I think that I became a VeganOstomy. So we’are partner. Cause we are partners in the same subject.😂

[@JournalofaWarriorsJourney]

Thanks for the suggestions Eric! I've struggled with dehydration & syncope episodes my entire life and especially before my ileostomy surgery. Now, I'm feeling dehydrated again but my potassium, which used to be low, is now borderline high and I used to love G2 - less sugar but still gatorade so I'm leery of the potassium element. I've done pedialyte too. I'm kind of at a loss now how to rehydrate with electrolytes so water & juice are my "go-to" right now. I do like decaf coffee but otherwise, even with the small amount of caffeine they don't get out when processing it, I don't drink any caffeine. I don't like the taste of coconut but I may try the coconut water in addition - which was a great point - variety. Love the outtakes =) And I did call that thing a hat LOL!

[@VeganOstomy]

Thanks for watching! I think that as long as you're able to eat healthfully, you don't have to go crazy with electrolytes through your fluid intake. I'd personally rotate any fluids to avoid imbalances, so perhaps a sports drink today, vegetable juice tomorrow, orange juice the next day, etc. Relying too much on one thing (i.e. that G2) may create some issues long term. But to be honest, the G2 doesn't have a huge amount of electrolytes (only 30mg of potassium per 8 fl oz), but I guess it depends on how much you're consuming! Take care!

[@JournalofaWarriorsJourney]

Vegan Ostomy I agree! I’m adding more veggies a little at a time too just to make sure I’m not having any blockage issues. I would love a salad in the worst way but haven’t had the courage to try it. Yet. Sugar traditionally has always caused me easy weight gain so I’m trying to avoid a lot of fruit juices but since I don’t eat fruit (yet) I am using that as a way to get vitamin C and “liquid fruit”. Trial and error right? 🙂 Thanks again for all you do!

[@ShyAnn291]

I got Noro Virus shortly before Christmas, it caused me to get so incredibly dangerously dehydrated, so my mom took me to the ER (I had to be helped to be able to walk to the car because I was so weak, my mom was behind me holding my waist, my dad was in front and I had my arms around his neck, I did pass out a couple times also) so anyways I stopped breathing at the ER, I was also air lifted to a bigger trauma hospital, luckily not to far from our house, but after several hours with the breathing tube in the ICU, I finally was able to start breathing on my own, it was like my body forgot how to breathe for a bit, but finally I started to breathe on my own, I was in the hospital for several days! It was awful!

[@VeganOstomy]

I hope you're doing well now, Jacqui.

[@Morningstar0092]

I just love what i call classes on ostomy. You are such a great instructor. I learn so much about my ileostomy from you i have learned from the doctors Ostomy nurses etc.. I’ve only had my ileostomy since June 17th 2022 I had a colostomy before, but I’m supposed to get a reversal Sept. But chose to wait till January. Feeling it would be too soon. But now i have watched videos on Reversals and the results aren’t very good, so thinking I’m going to still with what we both have. Ileostomy. At least I know what I have now. I didn’t have cancer which was a hood thing. My lg intestine burst, i went septic while on vacation. Was in a coma for days, but survived. Now i have ileostomy. I don’t know what to do.!! Can i eat tomato, celery? I’m in August now breaking in new foods a little at a time. I’m so careful yet scared, don’t want to ho through hell again. Please help. How come your not on here frequent? It shows seven yrs ect? Your the best 😍🌹

[@VeganOstomy]

Hi Dorothy! There certainly is a lot to learn, but you'll get used to things the longer you have your stoma (I've had mine 9 years this month!). I do have other videos/articles about food and how to safely introduce them back into your diet. I would still suggest working with a stoma nurse, who will be able to create a plan specific for you. Good luck with everything!

[@madrad5507]

Hi Eric, Been juggling hydration for yrs. I've had MS since 1990, making heat my worst enemy. My Ileostomy(little buddy) compounds this issue. An avid hiker, I've often gotten dehydrated with a full pouch. With 15" of small bowel, you can only absorb a limited amount of H2O. I now appreciate my old colon, It's like a camel's hump & reabsorbs H20 back into your body. Your urinary bladder does to, but not much. Before surgery, I would go to the hospital's infusion center twice a mth for 1k-2K lt. of NaCl. I would stagger in & dance out. Post op I drank watered down juices(80% water). Always thirsty. Tried plain water & not as thirsty. Love V8 & make Virgin Bloody Mary's often. Sat nite? Absoulute Vodka. Try Naked or Bolthouse Farms. Their Green Goodness is great.

[@nexusvideo]

Definitely going to try the V8 drink approach. I find that my system will sometimes purge sugary drinks (even gatorade drinks) They will run through me within an hour of drinking them. I don't imagine that I am getting much out of them when this happens.

[@VeganOstomy]

+nexusvideo Yeah, that's a common problem with sugary drinks (and even drinks with artificial sweeteners). I hope the v8 works for you!

[@constancelupo4752]

Love V8.

[@cindyway6645]

I get thirsty at night , I'm diabetic , I notice that 7UP doesn't raise blood sugar levels way up.

[@ShayleeLaughingDiva]

This is what Im struggling with, feel like Im always in the dessert an havnt rank anything for days lol

[@kimberleypex]

3 liter water and more salt ! 🌸🌸🌸

[@botodeov57]

Great info Eric...Damn blockages i get also from adhesions and from a herniated ileostomy they are reluctant to fix...nonetheless, still having issues with dehydration....i am type2 diabetic which definitely limits me choices of carbs and liquids especially anything that contains simple sugars and can add more potential problems to an otherwise dehydrated system. The veggy drink I think is a great idea...i really can't do the sugary drinks as it causes, like you mentioned, more diarrhea ....so in effect i have to be very careful as to what i consume as when the output turns all watery (too late)...it's a downward slide right into emerg.Once again thxs Eric!!

[@VeganOstomy]

Steven, it does sound like you have some challenges. I'm not sure if it carries the same negative effects, but I have heard of oral rehydration solutions that use a starch base, rather than simple sugar, to make it more effective. This might give you benefits without diarrhea or sugar spikes. It might be worth looking into if that becomes an option for you. Good luck! Thanks for watching.

[@wattersdr]

Check out St.Marks Rehydration Fluid.

[@wattersdr]

www.imperial.nhs.uk/~/media/website/patient-information-leaflets/gastroenterology/st-marks-solution.pdf

[@amydee7064]

New to ostomy bags and new to here as well. I do have acouple question: can I use any V8. I dislike the equation obverse. I like the fruit medley ones, the smoothies (mainly the medley). Also, I imagine this is a dumb quotation but is there such thing when it comes to the colonoscopy? I also have one of those hot- cold metal strawed cups I take EVERYWHERE with me; always filled, always cold. Would appreciate your orbit

[@VeganOstomy]

Hi Amy, I generally like the original V8 (or any regular vegetable juice), but the low-sodium variety can be helpful if you need more potassium in your diet. I haven't looked into the fruity ones, so I don't know if it contains the same electrolyte balance, but one thing to be cautious of is that fruit drinks tend to cause more output in some people. which may cancel out any benefits. If you can clarify your other questions I would be happy to answer them :)

[@Michelle-qd9gm]

Am from the uk on a hot summers day what is the best cold drink to have I get dry a lot 3 weeks after operation I find sports drinks make me even thirstier?

[@VeganOstomy]

I've always been a fan of V8, the vegetable juice. Some sports drinks have some strange side effects, including the feeling of wanting to drink more or even an upset stomach. If there are recipes to make your own oral rehydration solution, which usually involves combination of salt and sugar, which is something you can try. The most important thing, however, is not to have a lot of plain water, since it will dilute the electrolytes in your body and could create additional problems. If that's why sports drinks and oral rehydration solutions will include some form of sugar and electrolytes, which are usually in the form of sodium chloride and/or potassium chloride.

[@Donna61111]

With the ileostomy does the dehydration get better over time? Thanks

[@VeganOstomy]

Assuming that the small bowel was not shortened, it's been said that it will adapt to absorb more water and electrolytes, but it will never absorb with the same efficiency as our colons once did.

[@francisoliva692]

Am having my 3rd surgery this mth for colon restriction & surgeon said there a strong possibility that ilestomy or permanent ostomy will b needed. Am so afraid bcuz I know nothing on how 2 care 4 it or what 2 eat/drink & neither any family members. Pls help!

[@VeganOstomy]

It can be overwhelming, so take your time and learn what you can. In addition to the videos on my channel, I have a lot more on my website www.veganostomy.ca and I also have a support forum you are welcome to join and participate in at www.veganostomy.ca/community Best of luck to you! If you have a stoma nurse, please use them as a nother resource!

[@roserive9688]

After a few years living with an ileostomy and suffering recurrent dehydration problems and kidney damage. I spent a month in St Marks intestinal failure unit and now have home IV fluids with electrolytes Look at St Marks solution as an electrolyte drink. Oral fluids for me was flushing, not hydration and the more i drank, the sicker I got. It's uncommon but short bowel syndrome /intestinal failure may need to be considered. Great channel. So glad to have found you. Potatoes and chewing. ....oh yes, chew your potatoes! Took me a while to figure that. Thankyou Rose (RN) UK

[@VeganOstomy]

Thank you for sharing that. The homemade solution I posted in the article is by the Cleaveland Clinic, but it looks like St. Mark's solution is similar but with the addition of baking soda. I hope you're doing better now!

[@roserive9688]

Aw, thanks. Just hooked up to my nightly 2 litres of IV saline, magnesium and kcl. What a blessing this is 'free' via the UK NHS. My life depends on it but as a result I Sam still able to work 25 hours a week as a RN and I'll be 60 this year. Me 1 Chrohns 0.

[@constancelupo4752]

I drink Smart water all day.

[@medhealthtalk1209]

hi, can you just drink a bottle of water or fluid on it's own, or do you always have to eat something before you drink?. because some people say if they drink fluids on their own it will literally just come out in the bag with absorption. Thanks.

[@medhealthtalk1209]

without absorption.

[@VeganOstomy]

You are right - sometimes drinking a huge bottle of water is counter productive. Slowing down transit time can help, but it varies from person to person. I prefer sipping fluids throughout the day vs. chugging a large amount in one sitting - this helps to slow things down.

[@danagibson281]

I have gone from colostomy to iliostomy, with MAJOR complications! I cannot drink enough to keep from getting super dehydrated. I am really trying, but I am dropping a ton of weight, which is good, but it needs to stop now. I also have a huge open draining incision next to my ostomy from an infection. I am very antibiotic resistant and I feel like these two issues are definitely working against each other.. any advice? My doctor tends to downplay these issues until they are critical

[@VeganOstomy]

Oh Dana, I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling right now. How recent was your surgery? I find that it took over a year for my body to adjust (hydration wise) and before then I was outputting a lot. Eating starchy foods (anything potatoes, pasta, rice, etc.) helped a lot, but it also helped to drink separate from my meals. It does sound like you have more going on, so if your doctor isn't being helpful, are you able to get a second opinion or speak with someone like a stoma nurse?

[@danagibson281]

@@VeganOstomyLol, well my second colostomy was in Feb, but they couldn't keep it from bleeding out. So in June, he did the colostomy closure, a colectomy and then the ileostomy all at once. They kept me about 2-3 weeks on IV antibiotics for a good while, but I have hads

[@danagibson281]

Got a MRSA or staph infection in the hospital, so my body is extremely resistant to antibiotics. When my surgeon sent me home, he refused antibiotics and I argued like crazy but he would not budge. It wasn't 3 weeks, well about 7-20 I started running fever vomiting and my ileostomy swelled to the size of a grapefruit and my whole side got very red, hot and hard. So it was bacterial inside the abdominal wall. The stand in surgeon did not look in on me for 4 days and I went into sepsis... So he freaked out and instead of making a small incision and a drain tube. He sliced me about 4 inches horizontally and very deep. Now it is also infected. If I repeated myself I apologise. I'm.on my way back to the ER tonight

[@VeganOstomy]

@@danagibson281 My goodness. That sounds terrible. I do hope that things get better for you soon.

[@danagibson281]

@@VeganOstomy I am at the ER now. We had a very frank discussion, and I think things will be better very soon. Thank you!

[@jeannadesborough11]

I have had my ileostomy for about 5 months now and I am still having issues with high output and trying to stay hydrated even though my Kidney Dr. has increased my fluid intake to 2 1/2 of the 1 liter Gatorade bottles along with 4 bottles water of the 16.9. Please help I just don't know what else to do.

[@VeganOstomy]

+Jeanna Desborough Hey Jeanna, I'm so sorry to hear about your hydration challenges. Do you know if you've had any of your small bowel removed? High-output stomas can be a challenge on their own, but I'm curious to know if your surgeon or GI has recommended anything to slow it down (medication or otherwise). Also, you may find support and advice on an online group for people with SBS (short-bowel syndrome), as they are very often experiencing the same.

[@wyattbrule12688]

try Imodium over the counter, every 6 hours as needed

[@69Afrikah]

I had to eat applesauce daily and bananas to slow and thicken my output, because I have bags fulls of liquid I have to empty! it really helped.

[@michaelhillier1377]

I am a vegetarian, but I do eat Cheese, butter, yogurt and milk. Can I eat lentil soup, quinoa, hummus, millet, couscous, vegetable soups blended by machine vegetable and blended fruit shakes. How do you get your greens and salads? How about chick pea flour pancakes and flat bread etc? How about fruit juice? Any tips or recipes? I have an enlarged prostate, so it's difficult to drink a lot of water without wanting to go a lot.

[@VeganOstomy]

Hey Michael, I do have various videos and written articles that might help answer your questions, but each person tends to go at their own pace. At this point, I'm able to eat anything I want without issues, but I am mindful about *how* I eat (i.e. chewing, portion control, etc.). I eat large salads often, and breads or pancakes have never been an issue since they are already pretty soft to begin with. With juice, I would use some caution because it may increase your output and/or cause liquid output, making it more difficult to stay on top of your hydration.

[@michaelhillier1377]

@@VeganOstomy Thanks for your great helpful information.

[@JLamont45]

Hello, my name is Joe and I’m 55. I am coming up on 1 month post colectomy. I developed ileitis 5 days after surgery and I’m having lots of pain. I am having extreme fevers at night. 103.5 and even 103.8 one night. I have noticed that after using biolyte or pedialite, my fevers don’t spike as high. I am waking around 3am drenched in sweat w extreme rigors and chills. I also notice that I have 2 very distinct forms of output. One is very thick and difficult to get out and then one is all liquid. Have you ever deal with is and/or known someone that has and if so how did the deal with it.

[@VeganOstomy]

Hi Joe. I'm sorry that you're going through that. Because of the fevers, sweating, and changes in output, I would suggest speaking to your doctor or stoma nurse to find out why that's happening. I wouldn't want to guess as to what's going on. Be well.

[@terrytownsend5583]

Joe. Have you tried jerking off 5 minutes before you go to bed,or as you get into bed.

[@popeyerubi1981]

What drinks do you suggest for people with diabetes? I think the sports drinks are a No for me.

[@VeganOstomy]

I'd personally suggest speaking with a nurse or dietitian about that, since diabetes is a complicated thing to manage. However, sugar free sports drinks and electrolyte drinks should be quite safe for diabetics, while still offering electrolytes. That is, of course, if you need to supplement your daily fluid and nutrition intake.

[@popeyerubi1981]

@@VeganOstomy okay. Thanks!

[@danagibson281]

What about smart water?

[@VeganOstomy]

The brand "smartwater" seems to only add electrolytes for flavor, as their nutrition label has all zeros listed, so it's not going to offer you the same benefits as an oral rehydration solution. Drink it if you like the taste, but not for electrolytes.

[@danagibson281]

Gotcha!

[@charlesgosselin3579]

Gatorade G2 not much sugar not much calories plus I water down 1/3

[@VeganOstomy]

That is a good option for sure. I'd opt for that over a full-sugar sports drink.

[@porkuspious5045]

How about making a drink from yeast extract?

[@VeganOstomy]

Like Marmite? I haven't looked into that specifically - the gold standard for hydration is usually simple electrolytes with a sugar/glucose/starch carrier in water.

[@porkuspious5045]

Yeah, I had Marmite in mind and actually I've tried making a drink out of it and it's quite nice. Well, thankyou for your response anyway and nice one for creating these videos- I've found them helpful so thankyou (have recently been discharged from hospital after having my large bowel removed).

[@VeganOstomy]

So I checked out the nutritionals for Marmite and it's got a good balance of potassium and sodium. It also has some extra nutrients that can be helpful overall. Honestly, I don't see too much wrong with using it as a drink of that's what you like. Best of luck with your recovery!

[@porkuspious5045]

Hey thankyou. And thanks for feedback, much appreciated. Take care.

[@pateastmond3695]

8

[@pradipjp]

What about colonostomy?

[@VeganOstomy]

You can follow the same guidelines for a colostomy, but it's generally easier to stay hydrated with a colostomy vs an ileostomy because you are more likely to reabsorb fluids better (depending on how much of your colon is left).

[@pradipjp]

@@VeganOstomy thanks

[@johndimon4505]

I had a stoppage of my bag. I called 911. Went to the hospital for 8 days. My doctor found a abdominal hernia caused the blockage. Had the surgery laproscopically and that opened so I was able to have output again. I am feeling very much better and eating very well. Just wanted to let you know another reason a stoppage could be the cause.hang in there. John D

[@VeganOstomy]

+John Dimon Yes, hernias can be incredibly problematic. I'm glad that you're feeling better!

[@cubbykovu8955]

Just water flushes out you small bowel i found out hard way in hospital and got a science lesson for my troubles

[@VeganOstomy]

Yup. I'm not a fan of "water only". I hope you're doing better now.

[@cubbykovu8955]

@@VeganOstomy Oh yes I guzzle fluid like a fish but largely not just water

[@donblack918]

How much do you drink in a day? I drink 1 gallon a day. Is that to much?

[@VeganOstomy]

Hi Don, there are several "rules" with drinking and there's also a little nuance. Generally speaking, I tend to drink enough where I'm urinating throughout the day and my urine is clear and doesn't smell. If it's too yellow or odorous then I could be getting dehydrated. For someone with an ostomy, some doctors will recommend monitoring how much output we have vs how much we are taking in, especially if the output is liquid. I don't generally follow that rule because my output is mostly influenced by fiber and not fluids. On average, I'm probably consuming about 1-2L of fluids a day (not including anything I consume through foods). Some people do consume a gallon or more - if it isn't causing you problems, then I see nothing wrong with that.

[@jennifermeanor9059]

You can eat salads?!

[@VeganOstomy]

+Jennifer Meanor Yes, nearly once a day!

[@charlesgosselin3579]

Come on Prune juice with an ostomy keep away from it.

[@VeganOstomy]

If used strategically, it can be quite helpful - but not for hydration!

[@joannakb5688]

No coffee (caffeine) (It is acidic try to keep you body alkaline), no juices (sugar and additives inflammatory), sports drinks - no (sugar and additives inflammatory), milk - no (it is inflammatory) WATER with a pinch of salt prefered and, herbal teas according to Russell Jaffee, MD. Smoothies for nutrition (organic) with cruciferous veggies and fruit that is not overly glycemic I choose blueberries, they have fiber.

[@kirksmith3440]

Try being a roofer all summer. Hauling bales of shingles up a ladder all day in the heat. By about 10 am, its over. Bye the end of the day, you wish it was over. It aint worth the fight. I wish I would have quit years ago cause there has been NOTHING in life since. Oh well.

[@VeganOstomy]

Hey Kirk. I can totally understand how difficult that must be. Are you drinking any particular fluids or quantity of fluids throughout the day? What kind of electrolytes are you taking in? With that much heat and strenuous work, I bet it's an uphill battle. It may be worth exploring a few resources for athletes who train/compete in hot weather. I'm sure there are some tips that can be applied to your work. Be well.

[@kirksmith3440]

@@VeganOstomy Ive been up and down roads like this so manny times. "Oh, have you tried this, oh have you heard about this. . . . no no no, Im not haveing it anymore. Im going to hell and Im takeing that lie that is jesus with me.

[@VeganOstomy]

Good luck, Kirk. I believe there's a solution here, but you'd ultimately be the one to make the final decision. Most of us feel like were stuck at some point, and then we become unstuck. It's never easy, but it is usually worth finding the right answers.

[@kirksmith3440]

@@VeganOstomy Its a tough choice. But Im working very hard on makeing that choice. I really do want to go. I need to be more courageous about it.