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WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF FOOD BLOCKAGE or I KNEW I SHOULDN’T HAVE EATEN THOSE PEANUTS by Sharon Williams RNET: It may happen around midnight...that severe cramping sensation, coupled with cessation of ileostomy flow or water projectile flow. When the cramps strike, the memory of having consumed some problem food follow soon afterward. What is the appropriate course of action for the ostomate? Food blockage is an experience that many ileostomates ( Ed’s Note: and some colostomates) will have at one time or another. The enzymes of the digestive tract cannot digest cellulose or foods with high fiber content. Nuts, corn, popcorn, coconut, celery, Chinese vegetables, fruit pits, and tough cuts of meat are a few foods that may cause blockage problems. Illeostomates who chew their food poorly, eat rapidly, do not drink sufficient liquids or have dental problems will be more prone to have food blockage. When food blockage occurs, a post-op pouch should be applied. The size of the opening should be a little larger than normal because the stoma may swell and with a clear post-op pouch, the action of the stoma may be observed. The next step, if no nausea or vomiting is present, is to start forcing liquids...Coke, tea or whatever liquid produces a rapid peristaltic movement, is best. A few crackers may be eaten as a pusher. Sometime a change in body position such as assuming the knee-chest position, may encourage movement of the bolus of food. Massaging of the abdomen may also produce the same effect. Ed’s Note: And also, try laying on your right side and patting your abdomen, and then turn over on your left side and pat it some more, until you can tell if there is any gas/stool moving in the abdomen. Shifting positions sometimes will loosen the bowel contents just enough to start it moving again. Diarrhea may follow the blockage and it is necessary to replace fluid. Gatorade may be used for replacement of both fluid and essential electrolytes. Cheese, bananas and peanut butter help slow the diarrhea. It is normal to have a sore spot in the abdomen following an episode of blockage. A low residue diet should be followed for one or two days to allow the intestine to rest. If nausea and/or vomiting occurs with the food blockage, it is necessary to GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM IMMEDIATEDLY. An ileostomy lavage may be necessary and this should never be attempted by the untrained ileostomate. It is in no way like a colostomy irrigation . 60
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