Once again winter is upon us, and you know that means a risk of the Flu. It's best to be prepared and know what to do.
For new ostomates, this could be a time of real concern and a new experience in coping, for flu not only brings on headaches, muscle aches and pains, and upset stomach. That "bogeyman" for the ostomate, diarrhea, often occurs. Whether induced by flu or other causes, diarrhea can present a serious challenge to ostomates. Vomiting must also be taken seriously because of the risk of dehydration.
The first advice for any person--ostomate or not--suffering flu is always drink plenty of liquids and get proper rest! By all means, call your doctor if either vomiting or diarrhea symptoms are severe and continuing.
Ostomates must take special care not to take medicine for pain or a laxative without a doctor's order. That goes for antibiotics, too! Antibiotics have no effect on a virus but do kill bacteria, both friendly and unfriendly, and can change the proper balance of normal bacteria in the colon, if you still have one. Disturbing this balance can actually bring on or exacerbate diarrhea.
Your diet will change during flu, but during recovery, adopt a fiber- free diet at first, gradually moving to a regular, normal diet. Prompt attention to symptoms of colds and flu should bring to each of us a happy and hopefully healthy winter season. Now to the specific tips for each category of ostomate:
The colostomate with diarrhea would be wise not to irrigate, for nature is actually doing the job. After the diarrhea stops, the colon will be sluggish for a few days, so leave it alone a little longer. Give the colon a chance to return to normal before resuming irrigation.
Carry an extra supply of "security" pouches. (Editors note: If you wear a closed appliance, when diarrhea strikes switch to a drainable bag until the siege is over.)
Drugs or certain foods can cause constipation in colostomates recovering from flu, or at any other time, but drinking plenty of fluids can prevent this
Diarrhea can present an even greater problem to the ileostomate. Besides an excess of discharge, the ileostomate will suffer loss of electrolytes and vitamins necessary to maintaining good health. You may experience thirst, slowly rising fever, weakness, mental dizziness, and reduced urine output.
Drinking plenty of fluids will increase urine output and will not cause increased water discharge through the appliance during colds or flu. More serious results could be muscle contractions, abdominal distention, lack of alertness, and, in extreme cases, convulsions.
The ileostomate must restore electrolyte balance as soon as possible. Eliminate solid foods. Regain lost potassium by drinking tea, Gatorade, bouillon, ginger ale, and plenty of water. Regain lost sodium by eating saltine crackers or salted pretzels.
The urostomate should take special care to keep electrolytes in balance and follow the same general instructions as for persons without ostomies.
Via The New Outlook, Chicago's North Suburban Chapter
& Okanagan Ostomy News Dec 02 |
