Let me tell you about my first food poisoning since my stoma surgery. It is a moment that I have been dreading, but also very curious about.
Why food poisoning with a stoma bag is a bag deal
It’s a scary experience for any ostomate – we’re much more likely to experience severe levels of dehydration that requires medical intervention. As someone with no colon and an ileostomy (where my small intestine is redirected through an opening in my abdomen – stoma), my body is unable to reabsorb excess water from my stool. Without a colon I not only lose out on this extra water, but also a lot of salt is lost through my stool (output).
These combined make hydrating on an average day more challenging than a healthy person. Often requiring salts to be added to my water and necessary to drink more.
Now add food poisoning on top, where a lot of water is lost through diarrhoea and vomit, rehydrating after this would feel like a mammoth task and anxiety inducing.
What caused the food poisoning?
Ben had his interview for a job and was so sure he’d get the position we celebrated with a meal out at a fish and chip shop in Sunshine Coast. Ben ordered the fish n’ chips and I had a hankering for a burger so ordered the special.
Chowing down, it was a tasty meal. It was during the night my stoma bag filled up with pure liquid output 3 times (it should normally have some form, like porridge). This is very concerning because it means I would have lost around 2-3 litres of water during the night. Typically I only need to empty it once during the night with normal consistency.
What was my experience?
In the morning I was convinced I was experiencing food poisoning because Ben was fine and I certainly was not. I felt nauseous and my stoma bag had filled up three times in the night. The more concerning thing was the consistency was pure fluid (when it should have a thicker consistency, often compared to porridge, I hope this doesn’t spoil your breakfast). This is my version of diarrhoea.
I texted my stoma nurse from the U.K. (thank you so much if you’re reading this!) asking about when I should be concerned. She replied almost immediately and told me to use double strength of rehydration packets such as diaorlyte. And to seek advice in 24 hours if nothing had improved. This is because after 24 hours of losing fluids at such a rate, it’s unlikely that a person with a stoma will adequately replenish fluids orally, and would require an intravenous solution to replace what was being lost so rapidly.
Around 7am, the nausea took over and the vomit felt never ending. Sorry to be graphic, I guess we all know what food poisoning is like. Once the vomiting subsided, I felt like the bug had been cleared. I didn’t feel the need to throw up anymore and my bag was filling up a lot slower. Albeit, still more fluid than it should be.
Recovering from food poisoning with a stoma bag
For the rest of the day I felt drained, not inclined to eat much at all. I knew how important hydrating was, so I doubled the use of hydralyte tablets in my water and tried to sip often. I spent 15 hours in bed, slept for almost 11 hours. After a bit of soup and some bread which seemed to do the trick, and I was recovering well. The next day I felt rough with a sensitive stomach. I ate what I thought my stomach could handle. Potato salad, pasta salad and some weetabix.
It wasn’t as bad as I’d imaged it would be
After such a long time in hospital, I’ve developed a sort of anexity about being admitted again. A reasonable response I’d say. The anxiety around hopsitals heightened my dread for food posioning. The day I was admitted because of my ulcerative colitis, I was so dehydrated my veins were no where to be seen, and having a cannula fitted to start me on essential fluids was a challenge for most of the nurses and doctors that day. Multiple pricks and prods before a vien was found and I could have those much needed fluids.
I expected food posioning with a stoma bag would result in a similar: hopsital admission; fluids needed but no veins to be found; concern and worry. Thankfully, this was not my experience.
One thing I was curious about was whether I’d experience the cramping pain that normally comes with diarrhoea. This never came, and neither did the urgency because when I gotta go, I just go. Doesn’t matter when or where. So when the diarrhoea started, I didn’t feel cramping or urgency, just nauseous. So in some respect, it was easier to get through this bout of food poisoning than with a colon.
I also didn’t have the dreaded experience of it coming out of both ends at the same time. I mean, it probably was, but my good ole stoma bag meant this wasn’t an issue.
Overall, I didn’t have to worry so much. I was well taken care of and it cleared quickly. I was also glad to find out from friends of friends and the online community that it has been a smooth and free process to get fluids from the hospital in Australia.
Tips for food posioning with a stoma bag
- Try not to panic!
Take a note of when it started, and if it continues for 24 hours then call a doctor or visit A&E about getting fluids. - Do not take immodium/loperamide
whatever bug is in your system needs to also exit your system. - Keep rehydration salts in your medicine cabinet
Use double concentration when experience food poisoning. - Try St Marks solution
A great hydrating option. - Take small sips often
To help you rehydrate. If drinking is making you sick, consider contacting a doctor sooner. - Keep an eye on your pee!
It’s a good indicator of how hydrated you are, and if it’s improving or getting worse.
I have to credit my stoma nurse in England for most of these tips! Unfortunately, you might have to experience food posioning with a stoma bag, but it’s important to know what to do, look after your health and know when you ought to see a doctor. Hopefully you won’t need these tips, but they’re here if you do!
