Page 11 - OASC January 2021 Newsletter 2

January/21
• Soak in a hot bath to relax the abdominal muscles
• Massage the abdomen or try a knee-to-chest position; walk
• Go straight to emergency if vomiting and other severe symptoms are not going away • Have someone drive you to hospital.
Treatment for severe blockage may include an IV to replace the fluid, sodium and potassium you have lost, and the administration of pain medication. An X-ray or other diagnostic test may be conducted to determine the source of the obstruction. depending on the patient and the suspected culprit for the obstruction, a tube may be inserted into the stomach via your nose to decompress built-up pressure.
Be alert to the early signs and symptoms of bowel obstruction. A partial blockage usually displays itself through cramping abdominal pain, watery output with a foul odour, and possible abdominal distention and stomal swelling followed by nausea and vomiting.
A complete blockage with an ileostomy is evident when there is total absence of output for more than 4 hours, severe cramping pain, abdominal and stomal swelling, and nausea and vomiting.
Some common blockage-causing foods are popcorn, nuts, heavy fibre (such as that found in the stalks of celery), fruit skins, and poorly chewed meat. Strip tough fibre out of celery stalks and peel fruits such as apples. Cut meat into small pieces and chew your food properly rather than washing things down with liquid. Introduce fresh fruit and vegetables slowly to your system, in small amounts.
DeHYDrATiOn
The large intestine does not play a major part in absorbing nutrition; although it absorbs some minerals, notably salt, its main job is to extract water from waste coming from the small intestine. If all or
much of the large intestine is removed, the patient loses this natural ‘rehydrator’ and can be at risk for dehydration. Therefore, dehydration affects ileostomies more than any other type of ostomy. Physical activity (especially sports) and hot weather can increase the risk of dehydration. Thirst is not always
an accurate measure of your body’s needs; those with ileostomies should develop the habit of drinking water throughout the day (8 to 10 glasses per day are recommended).
SYMPTOMS
Mild Dehydration:
(increase fluid intake -- and for babies, call a medical professional): Thirst, dry lips, dry mouth, flushed skin, fatigue, irritability, headache, urine begins to darken in colour, urine output decreases.
Moderate Dehydration:
(call a medical professional): All of the signs of mild dehydration, plus: skin doesn’t bounce back quickly when pressed, very dry mouth, sunken eyes, (in infant - sunken fontanel, the soft spot on the head), output of urine will be limited and colour of urine will be dark yellow, cramps, stiff and/or painful joints, severe irritability, fatigue, severe headache and increased heartrate.
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