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Some HINTS from the Ostomy News Review, WI via ***Yogurt is helpful in controlling gas: the bacteria used in making yogurt helps in digestion and in regulating the bowel-making action. It’s also nutritious, with calcium, protein and Be vitamins-and it’s low in calories !! ***Try mixing two to three tablespoons of plain baking soda in the water when washing around the stoma. It will not only help heal the skin but relieve itching. ***DO NOT push boxes on the floor with your feet. This can definitely put a strain on your back, as well as cause a hernia. Ed’s Note: That’s an interesting one, huh? ***Emotional pressure and fatigue can cause bowel upsets, especially when traveling. Do not allow yourself to become over-tired. ***Colostomates taking antihistamines should remember that these drugs have a tendency to slow down intestinal activity. Drinking lots of water ore eating laxative foods may help. ***If you are having some leakage between irrigation’s, try using less water. Too much may be contributing to the problem. FACTORS THAT MAY INFLUENCE OSTOMY FUNCTION via The Ostomatic News, Quite often, patients experience a sudden reversal in normal ostomy function due to medications or treatments they are undergoing. The following information might be helpful. Antibiotics often cause diarrhea, even in patients without an ostomy. Ostomates are no exception, and if the problem becomes severe, notify your physician immediately. In the meantime, keep Gatorade or a like drink on hand to maintain adequate electrolyte balance. Pain Medications are often constipating. Extra irrigations, or laxatives or stool softeners might be required for colostomates to combat the side effects of medicine. Maybe the dosage of pain relievers can be reduced to eliminate the situation. If no, consider one of the above alternatives. (With the consent of your Doctor..!) Chemotherapy after cancer surgery or as an alternative to surgery often produces nausea and or vomiting. Gatorade is good to keep on hand for the electrolytes. Radiation Therapy often produces the same effects as chemotherapy and should be treated accordingly. Travel can cause constipation in some patients and diarrhea in others. Be aware that these are possibilities. Change in diet when traveling accounts for some of this, along with the excitement of new surroundings. Allow sufficient time for irrigations and take along anti-diarrhea medications. Antacids with magnesium can cause diarrhea. Ask your doctor to suggest some with aluminum rather than magnesium. Ed’s Note: And as usual, please consult your Doctor or ET Nurse before changing any medications or taking something new...! 42 |