Yes, individuals with a colostomy should drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and prevent constipation. The general recommendation is to aim for at least 8 to 10 glasses (about 1.5 to 2 liters) of fluid per day, and even more in hot weather, when exercising, or if experiencing high stoma output or diarrhea.
It is very important to stay hydrated!
You need at least 8 cups of fluid each day (64oz/2 liters), plus extra if you have high outputs (> 1200 mL/day) from your ostomy, in hot or dry conditions, if you are sweating, or if you are exercising.
What are the Most Common Stoma Complications?
Colostomy. People with a colostomy generally have a lower risk of dehydration compared to those with an ileostomy, since a portion of the colon remains intact and continues to absorb water from stool. Although not as common, the dehydration risk still exists, especially during periods of illness or diarrhea.
It is normal for some food to pass through to the stoma unaltered. However, foods high in fibre may cause a blockage because they are difficult to digest when eaten in large quantities or not chewed well. Foods that may cause constipation or blockage: Vegetables with skins or stalks such as celery, peas or sweetcorn.
If you have an ileostomy you will most likely be wearing a drainable pouch, which you can empty throughout the day and change your pouch every 2-3 days or however long you feel your wafer can last.
Having diarrhoea will often mean that the stoma bag needs to be changed much more regularly than usual. This can mean that you go through supplies much quicker and also lead to irritation of the peristomal skin.
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.
Symptoms of dehydration
If you are still unsure, you can simply leave your pouch in place to keep the area dry. Your ostomy appliance is water-repellent and can be taken into the shower or bath without any problems.
Medical studies show that for many people, life expectancy with colostomy bag use is nearly identical to those without one, particularly when the underlying cause is non-fatal or successfully treated. Survival rates vary when cancer is involved. But many individuals live for decades post-surgery.
Possible complications of a colostomy
A colostomy is surgery to create an opening for the colon (large intestine) through the belly (abdomen). A colostomy may be short-term (temporary) or long-term (permanent). It's often done after bowel surgery or injury.
Drainable bags have to be emptied in the toilet when they are about one-third full, and replaced every 1–3 days. A colostomy bag may need emptying 1–3 times a day. An ileostomy bag may need emptying 4–6 times a day, depending on what you eat and drink, because the waste is no thicker than a paste (more watery).
If you don't drink enough water after surgery, you can feel tired and weak. Dehydration can also slow down wound healing, make your skin dry, and increase the risk of blood clots. Drinking enough fluids helps prevent these issues and keeps your recovery on track.
Dehydration can exacerbate chronic muscle and joint pain, slow the rate of healing, and increase the chances of injury. Water helps hydrate discs between the vertebrae in your spine and prevents your tendons, ligaments, and muscles from becoming tight and stiff.
9 healthy and hydrating alternatives to water
Start by checking the color of your urine. Clear or pale yellow urine usually means you're drinking enough water. But if your urine is dark yellow or amber, then it's time to drink more water.
Drinking too much “ordinary fluids” (eg. 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.
Foods Not to Eat with an Ileostomy or Colostomy
Raw vegetables, including salad e.g. lettuce, celery, raw bell-peppers and spring onions. Hard to digest vegetables, including beans like butter beans or green/runner beans, sweetcorn, peas, mushrooms, cabbage, brussel sprouts, spinach, kale and spring greens.
Spicy foods, alcohol, drinks with caffeine like coffee, tea and cola, fruit juices and fried foods can also have this effect. If you eat a lot of these foods and notice your output is too liquid, you might want to try eating less of them to see if it helps thicken your stoma output.
Lifestyle and home remedies
Your pattern of having a bowel movement with a colostomy will depend on how much of your colon was removed and what your bowel pattern was like before surgery. If you still have your rectum, you may feel like you need to have a BM, or have mucus or blood pass through the anus. This is normal.
Some instances of diarrhea can be expected during detox or gut healing- especially as the body works to clear out harmful substances. But chronic or prolonged diarrhea, lasting more than a few days, can lead to certain issues.