They recommend continuing the use of high dose loperamide (more than 16mg daily) since there is a greater risk associated with an untreated high stoma or fistula output than the risk of loperamide causing cardiac arrhythmias, but suggest that the total daily dose should be less than 80mg.
Loperamide is not addictive. It can be taken in doses of up to 8 tablets/capsules (16 mg) per day over long periods of time. Do not take more than 16 milligrams per day without medical advice. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
In most cases, diarrhoea should begin to subside after a day or two. However, if your output is showing no signs of slowing down and you continue to feel unwell, we would strongly recommend that you contact your stoma care nurse or a healthcare professional for advice.
Medications that may not be absorbed adequately include certain antimicrobial agents, digoxin, mesalazine, levothyroxine, and oral contraceptives. Enteric-coated or extended-release medications should be avoided by those with an ileostomy because the medication is absorbed or partially absorbed in the colon.
You may be given Loperamide (Immodium) and/or Codeine Phosphate. These help reduce the volume of fluid in your stoma/fistula. They are usually taken 4 times a day. Try to take them ½ -1 hour before meals and before bedtime.
Stool irritation, product sensitivity and yeast are certainly the more common reasons for redness around the stoma.
In some cases, IMODIUM® may not be the best medication to control or treat your diarrhea. Do not use if you have bloody or black stool. Ask a doctor before use if you have fever, mucus in the stool, a history of liver disease or history of abnormal heart rhythm.
Taking more Imodium than recommended can lead to dangerous heart problems. If you have any questions, ask your pharmacist or doctor. You should not use any Imodium or loperamide product if you have ulcerative colitis, bloody or tarry stools, diarrhea with a high fever, or diarrhea caused by antibiotic medication.
Many people enjoy leaving their skin uncovered for 15 to 30 minutes after taking their pouching system off. This is called a skin break. Taking a skin break can help with irritation or keep it from happening. You can decide if you want to take a skin break.
Phantom rectum is the feeling that you need to have a bowel movement, even though your rectum is no longer there. If the lower part of your digestive tract and anus were bypassed but not removed, the bypassed digestive tract may still produce mucus, which may leak or pass from the anus.
Drink 8 to 10 (8-ounce) glasses (about 2 liters) of liquids throughout the day. Drink sports drinks (such as Gatorade or Powerade) and oral rehydration solutions (such as Pedialyte®), if you can. These drinks will help keep you from becoming dehydrated.
A good colostomy diet during the first few weeks after surgery may include yogurt (with live and active cultures). However, not all dairy produce will be allowed. Other foods that colostomy patients tolerate well are bananas, tapioca, sticky white rice, and white toast.
Most people with stomas may have to go through a stoma infection. However, it is a possibility that anyone with a stoma should know about it. The first sign of a stoma infection may be a pus-like discharge, unusual swelling, increasing redness, or color changes.
Foods that are reported to help thicken the stoma output include apple sauce, bananas, buttermilk, cheese, marshmallows, jelly babies, (boiled) milk, noodles, smooth creamy peanut butter, rice, tapioca pudding, toast, potatoes and yoghurt.
When the large bowel has been removed the small bowel must adapt to absorb more fluid, which it is not as effective at doing (this will improve over time). This means output from your stoma can increase.
You must still include fibre in your diet. Choose some foods from the following list daily: Wholemeal bread. High fibre cereal e.g. Weetabix, porridge.
When introducing chocolate try small amounts to begin with to see how you tolerate it and go from there. In the early days of managing your stoma, you will be getting used to the new sounds, smells and the amount of output from your stoma.
Eat 6 to 8 small meals or snacks daily, or every 2 to 3 hours. Include salty foods and snacks such as pretzels, saltine crackers, or potato chips to absorb water. of foods to limit). Avoid sugary beverages such as juice, lemonade, iced tea, or pop.