How do I make my stoma output less runny?
Making your stoma output less runny is often very personal, and can take you and your clinician some time to work out what is best for your requirements. There are some tried and tested methods which may work for you, but you must always consult with your healthcare professional before deviating from your agreed plans.
Dietary Adjustments:
- Increase Fibre Intake: Incorporate more soluble fibre into your diet, such as bananas, applesauce, oats, and psyllium husk. Soluble fibre helps absorb excess liquid and can thicken the output.
- Eat Starchy Foods: Foods like white rice, pasta, potatoes, and white bread can help firm up the output.
- Limit Foods That Loosen Stools: Certain foods, like caffeinated drinks, alcohol, fatty or fried foods, and some fruits (like prunes), can make your output more liquid. Reducing or avoiding these foods may help.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, but spread them out throughout the day. This helps to keep your output balanced and avoid dehydration, which can contribute to runny output.
Medications:
- Anti-diarrhoea Medications: Over-the-counter options can slow down digestion and help firm up your stoma output. However, always consult with your healthcare professional before using these medications.
- Solidifying Agents: These are small sachets which you place in your stoma bag whilst changing it. They work by solidifying running output into a solid, which in turn reduces bag noise and can help make emptying your bag a bit easier. Again, always consult with your healthcare professional before using these products.
Can I reduce sloshing of my stoma bag?
Yes, you can reduce the sloshing of your stoma bag, one of these steps might work for you:
- Empty the Bag Regularly: Regularly empty your stoma bag when it’s about one-third full to prevent sloshing. Keeping the bag from becoming too full helps reduce the movement of liquid inside.
- Use Stoma Solidifying Agents: Solidifying agents or gelling agents can be added to the stoma bag to turn liquid output into a gel-like substance. This not only helps reduce sloshing but also minimises leaks and odours. Always consult with your healthcare professional before using these products.
- Wear a Stoma Support Belt: A support belt can help hold the stoma bag securely against your body, reducing movement and the associated noise or sensation of sloshing.
Can I reduce the noise from my stoma bag?
Yes, you can reduce noise from your stoma bag with these tips:
- Use Gelling Agents: Gelling agents solidify the output, reducing both sloshing and noise. Always consult with your healthcare professional before using these products.
- Wear Tight-Fitting Clothes: Wearing tighter-fitting clothing over your stoma bag can help muffle any sounds. Just ensure that the clothing is comfortable and doesn’t restrict the stoma.
- Release Gas Regularly: If your stoma bag fills with gas, it can make noise as the gas escapes. Consider venting the bag or using a bag with a built-in filter to manage gas buildup discreetly.
- Stoma Cap for Short Periods: If you expect to be in a quiet environment for a short time, such as during a meeting, using a stoma cap can reduce noise as long as it’s safe for you.
What are stoma solidifying agents?
Stoma solidifying agents are products designed to be added directly into your stoma bag to thicken the output. These agents absorb the liquid in the output, turning it into a gel-like substance. This process helps in:
- Reducing Sloshing: By solidifying the output, the movement of liquid in the bag is minimised, reducing sloshing and noise.
- Improving Comfort: Solidified output can make the bag feel more comfortable and secure against your body.
- Managing Leaks: Thicker output is less likely to cause leaks, which can improve the overall experience of wearing a stoma bag.
These agents come in different forms, such as sachets, capsules, or powders, and are designed to be placed inside the stoma bag before or after it fills with output. Always consult with your healthcare professional before using these devices.
