{"id":6734,"date":"2026-02-18T16:47:30","date_gmt":"2026-02-18T16:47:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/GB\/?p=6734"},"modified":"2026-02-18T16:47:32","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T16:47:32","slug":"tips-for-managing-changes-in-stoma-output-by-rachel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/GB\/blog\/tips-for-managing-changes-in-stoma-output-by-rachel\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for managing changes in stoma output | by Rachel"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Tips for managing changes in stoma output | by Rachel<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
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Stoma output is never straightforward. Unless you are one of the lucky few, a number of variables can affect both the amount and consistency of your output. This can have a real impact on daily life from needing more frequent bag changes, to having to review your lifestyle and what you consume. Let\u2019s break it down and look at what should be considered\u2026<\/h4>\n\n\n
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When your bag needs to be emptied more often<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

An increase in how frequently you need to empty your bag may be a sign that something internal has changed. This may be long term, or it may be short lived. I\u2019ve been caught out a few times when something I\u2019ve eaten hasn\u2019t agreed with me. This is just one example of a reason why. If a change in routine is needed due to a long-term change in your output, this is something your stoma nurse should work through with you. Any change should be discussed with a medically trained professional, especially if it isn\u2019t typical for you. They can advise on alternative products, or identify what further support may be needed if the issue can\u2019t be resolved from their perspective. Any change to products will need to be verified by your stoma nurse in order for your GP to update your prescription. This may sound like a long-winded process, but unfortunately it\u2019s necessary. Being with Respond <\/mark><\/a><\/strong>for almost 10 years, I can honestly say that the stress and phone calls have largely been handled by them, and they will do their utmost to get new products to you as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Diet<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Diet is a funny old topic. Some ostomates can eat whatever they like and see no change in their output. Others, however, only have to look at a mushroom and it\u2019s hello leak or hello blockage. It\u2019s very individual – after all, we all have stomas for different reasons, and no two bodies are the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your output changes after eating something that isn\u2019t part of your regular diet, take note and track it. You may start to see a pattern form that suggests it\u2019s best to avoid that food. Sometimes it may simply come down to chewing. Chew, chew, chew! Such an obvious thing, yet so easy to forget if you\u2019re eating quickly due to hunger or lack of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Post-surgery, your stoma nurse will advise you on how to approach your diet initially. Stick to their guidance in the early days, particularly around foods to avoid. Once your stoma is working well and you\u2019ve settled into recovery, you can begin to expand your diet gradually. Follow your stoma nurse\u2019s advice – it\u2019s easy to be influenced by social media and what others are doing, but go at your own pace and do what feels right for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sickness<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Falling ill with something that causes high output is simply rotten. I\u2019m writing this as I recover from a three-day stomach bug, where my output rocketed and my energy levels were completely depleted. When your stoma turns into a tap you simply can\u2019t turn off, and your body is fighting infection, your bag really has to work overtime. While this can feel frightening, changes in output are common and often manageable with the right support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hopefully your appliance copes well, but if it hasn\u2019t had to work this hard before, it may struggle. Leaks can lead to sore skin, and your bag may have difficulty staying adhered to the skin. If this happens, contact your stoma nurse, they may be able to recommend a different product. More frequent bag changes and the use of flange extenders can be a quick fix at home. Ideally, you should empty your bag regularly and avoid letting it fill beyond a third of its capacity. I do appreciate that this isn\u2019t always realistic when you\u2019re unwell and everything seems to happen at once. It\u2019s exhausting and stressful. I use continence pads, similar to puppy training pads, and lie on them at night in case my bag fills too quickly and I don\u2019t wake to empty it.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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And finally, having the confidence to take control\u2026<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Changes in your output shouldn\u2019t automatically mean constantly changing appliances. If something isn\u2019t working for you, don\u2019t just accept it – reach out to your stoma nurse. Unfortunately, I read far too often about people who don\u2019t want to ‘bother’ their nurse, or who feel hesitant because they haven\u2019t needed much support before. If changes are sudden, ongoing, or worrying to you, it\u2019s important to check in with your stoma nurse or medical team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your output has increased and there\u2019s no obvious reason or solution, please don\u2019t feel alone. Speaking up can feel daunting, and for many of us it\u2019s tiring having to reach out to medical professionals repeatedly. Be your own advocate and if you don\u2019t feel strong enough to do that, ask a family member to support you until you can. Stoma nurses expect these questions. Changes in output are a valid reason to reach out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Rach<\/strong>
@gutsy.mum<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

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