Want to know more about how to slow ileostomy output while sleeping?
Q: Hello Laura,
My friend had her surgery four weeks ago to form an ileostomy and she is really in a bind. I know the ileostomy output cannot be controlled, but she is having to empty her pouch starting at 2:00 am, then every two hours throughout the night. She has not had a complete night of sleep since she has to empty her bag every two hours. Is there anything you can suggest? Is there a bigger bag?
Thank you for your consideration,
Consuelo
A: Hi Consuelo,
I’m sorry to hear your friend has been having trouble sleeping due to her ileostomy output.
For her sleeping issue, I would have her hydrate and eat very well up until about two or three hours before she goes to bed. Then, for about two hours before before bed I would suggest that she does not eat or drink anything. This will definitely slow down her bowel movements throughout the night. Also, she can ask her doctor if she can take an anti-diarrheal (to further slowdown her bowels). As her body readjusts to her new anatomy, hopefully her output will slow down. The first four or five months after surgery I had to get up three times a night, now I get up only once per night. Your body actually learns to adjust!
Also, there are bigger pouches available. They are called “night drainage bags” and are much larger than a normal sized pouch. Here’s one example from Coloplast.
You can also watch my video with tips about sleeping well when you have a stoma here.
I hope everything goes well for your friend and that you’re both happy and healthy!
Laura
You can find more articles about how to live well with an ostomy here:
What is one thing you wish someone had told you about having an ostomy before you got an ostomy or when you were new to having an ostomy?
