Blockage What To Do: Stoma

After twenty minutes in the bath, he stood up. He didn't put a new bag on yet. He took a warm, damp washcloth and held it over Buddy himself. The heat made the stoma relax and swell slightly—that was good. It meant blood flow was active.

To minimize the risk of a stoma blockage:

He realized that if the warm bath, massage, and "splosh" hadn't worked after two hours, or if he had started vomiting, he would have been in the car to the ER. A complete blockage can lead to a ruptured bowel or severe dehydration. There is no shame in the ER. Pride doesn't digest fiber. stoma blockage what to do

He knew this feeling. It wasn’t the normal gurgle of his ileostomy. This was the enemy: a blockage.

Gently, so gently, he placed his palm beside Buddy. He did not press hard. He used a soft, circular, clockwise motion, like he was polishing a priceless antique. He was trying to encourage the trapped food—likely a fiberous string of green bean or that rogue almond—to wiggle loose. He visualized the blockage: a tiny raft stuck in a river. After twenty minutes in the bath, he stood up

But as he sat there, he reviewed Brenda’s red flags in his head:

The pain pulsed again, a 6 out of 10. He ran a warm bath. As he lowered himself into the water, the heat began to unclench the knots in his abdominal wall. He then performed the "gas pass" pose—knees to his chest as best he could. The heat made the stoma relax and swell

A stoma blockage is a serious complication that requires prompt attention. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and steps to take in case of a blockage, patients and caregivers can be better prepared to manage this complication. If you suspect a stoma blockage, contact your healthcare provider immediately for guidance. With prompt treatment and proper care, most blockages can be resolved, and patients can return to their normal activities.

Suddenly, a small, hard pellet of undigested nut flew out into the washcloth. Followed by a spurt of liquid. Then a loud, glorious, bubbling fart.

If you suspect a blockage and are not yet vomiting, you can try these self-care steps to encourage movement: Colostomy UKhttps://www.colostomyuk.org Stoma Blockage - Colostomy UK