Stomach bug & stoma

[guest78]

Hi everyone

I have had my stoma, Margaret, for 3 months.
I have managed to pick up some sort of stomach bug/flu.
Feeling nauseous, hot & sweaty, shaky, have been sick twice and now the stoma is playing up with a high watery output. The bag even burst off.
Any tips on what to do?

Thanks!

 

[annawato]

Poor you, not a fun thing to have. The main thing is to make sure you do not become dehydrated so sip (not gulp) an isotonic drink often to maintain your fluids and electrolytes. If you dont have an isotonic drink on hand you can make one with :
1 litre water
8 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
juice of a citrus fruit.
This is actually better than the isotonic drinks you buy. It is far more easily absorbed by the bowel.
As far as the bag coming off the only solution is to empty often. You could put tape around the edges to help but all that will do is to prolong the time your skin under the flange is being burnt by any output seeping on to it. Some paste or rings (like eakin seals) may help protect the skin around the stoma and prevent leakage.
Finally, put yourself to bed and make sure everyone waits on you hand and foot. Most tummy bugs only last 24 hours but if yours is longer or if you think you may be getting dehydrated (particularly if you can't keep anything down) then you should go to hospital for IV fluids.
Take care,

 

[DJW]

Hi GEC. As Anna said, you are at high risk for dehydration with a stoma. If dehydration starts to take over (& can't keep fluids down or lose them through stoma) go to the hospital for iv fluids. I'd recommend an ostomy belt for next time. get well soon.