Staying hydrated with a stoma involves consistently sipping fluids, especially water and electrolyte drinks, throughout the day, rather than waiting until thirsty, to replace fluids lost due to the bypassed large intestine, focusing on electrolytes like sodium and potassium, and consuming water-rich foods while monitoring urine color and energy levels as signs of hydration.
water, fruit juice, tea, and coffee) can increase your stoma output, making you more thirsty and more dehydrated: Limiting those drinks and replacing them with oral rehydration solutions (eg. Lucozade Sport or St Mark's solution if this has been prescribed for you) will help your body reabsorb fluid and salt.
Hydration advice when living with a colostomy, jejunostomy or ileostomy. Most people need ~6-8 cups (~1.8-2.4L or 3-4 pints) of fluid, or 30-35mls of fluid per kilogram of body weight per day.
Dehydration. Having an ileostomy makes it harder to stay hydrated. If you notice signs of dehydration such as fatigue, dry mouth or lots of poo coming out of your stoma, speak to your stoma nurse or another healthcare professional to get advice.
Each person's tolerance for certain fluids may vary, so it's important to monitor how different fluids affect your ostomy output and overall hydration level.
Sports drinks, such as Lucozade and Gatorade, are better choices as they don't cause an increase in your stoma output. They also contain electrolytes, which are lost through your stoma. To maximize fluid absorption, try to avoid drinking at mealtimes (leave a 20-minute gap) and sip rather than gulping fluids.
After a colostomy, the bottom part of the bowel no longer has poo passing through it, but it still produces mucus. Dead cells from the lower bowel or rectum may be mixed in with the mucus. The mucus may leak out of the anus, or you may feel the urge to go to the toilet.
To stay properly hydrated it's best to drink electrolyte beverages that are also low in sugar content.
If you are mildly dehydrated, you may start to feel better within 30 minutes to an hour after drinking fluids. However, it takes several hours for your body to fully rehydrate and for symptoms like thirst and fatigue to completely resolve. Moderate dehydration typically takes several hours to a day.
Usual use: 1-3 bags per day. Bags are not drainable. Flushable bags only to be used on advice of bowel/stoma nurse. Colostomy bags (two piece systems) 30-90 bags + 8-30 flanges Bag – remove and discard after use.
If you are worried about your stoma when you are showering, a good tip is to use a stoma cap to cover it, to prevent irritation. If you are bathing, you may prefer to keep your bag on, in case your stoma is active when you are in the bath and leaks stool into the water.
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Taking a shower is probably part of everyone's daily routine, and your stoma should not prevent you from enjoying this ritual. You can even choose whether you prefer to shower with or without a bag, both are possible and you will see that a shower cover or shower guard may not be necessary.
Symptoms of dehydration
It is best to drink sugar free sports drinks like Gatorade or Powerade to replace electrolytes in your body. Keep up your normal eating and drinking and take your medicines as ordered.
Take small, frequent sips of fluids rather than large gulps. This can help prevent further vomiting. If you can't keep down liquids, try sucking on ice chips or popsicles. This can help replace lost fluids without triggering more vomiting.
Aim to drink 8 glasses/mugs of fluid a day (preferably water). Other helpful ways to stay hydrated include: isotonic or full sugar fizzy drinks (allowed to go flat), sucking on ice chips and eating lollies made from juices.
Showering and bathing is part of everyone's daily routine and should be still enjoyed even if you have a stoma. You may feel concerned about getting your stoma or skin wet, but normal exposure to water and air will not harm your stoma in any way.
Most people with an ileostomy use drainable stoma bags that you empty down the toilet. You empty them when they are less than half full. This is usually around 4 to 6 times a day. You often need to empty them during the night too.
Certain foods may get stuck in the narrowed part of the colon or ileum and cause an obstruction (blockage). These same foods could also make the stoma swollen and irritated. An obstruction is more likely to happen with an ileostomy than with a colostomy. Drinking extra fluids can help prevent an obstruction.
You may want to avoid certain foods that are difficult to digest and may cause blockages, such as nuts, fruit and vegetable skins and corn. Most people can return to their normal diet. If you have any concerns, speak with your doctor or stomal therapy nurse and they can refer you to a dietitian.
Tips for eating with a stoma
Can you eat pizza with a stoma? There's no reason why you can't eat your favourite pizza when you have a stoma. Just be aware that greasy food in general can cause tummy upsets.
Safe and sensible snacks for ostomates
Low-Fiber Sweets: Opt for soft, plain candies like marshmallows, gummies, or chocolate (in moderation). Desserts: Plain cake, jelly, and puddings are good options for easy digestion.