Antibiotics -These often cause diarrhea, even in patients without an ostomy. Ostomates are no exception, and if the problem becomes severe, notify your physician immediately. In the meantime, keep Gatorade or a like drink on hand to maintain adequate electrolyte balance.
Pain Medications -These are often constipating. Extra irrigations or laxatives or stool softeners might be required for colostomates to combat the side effects of medicine. Perhaps the dosage of pain reliever can be reduced to eliminate the situation. If not, consider one of the above alternatives. Chemotherapy - Many cancer patients have follow-up chemotherapy after surgery or as an alternative to surgery. That often produces nausea and/or vomiting. Gatorade is again good to keep on hand for electrolyte balance. Radiation Therapy - This often produces the same effects as chemotherapy and should be treated accordingly.
Travel - Travel can cause constipation in some patients and diarrhea in others. Be aware that these are possibilities. Altered diet when traveling accounts for some of this, plus the excitement of new surroundings. Allow sufficient time for irrigations and take along an anti-diarrhea medication. Check with your doctor if you are not familiar with what works best for you to control diarrhea.
Antacids - Those with magnesium can cause diarrhea. Perhaps you will want to ask your doctor to suggest some with aluminum rather than magnesium. Drink plenty of liquids - Tea is always a good source of potassium (so are orange juice and bananas). Coca Cola also contains some potassium. Bouillon cubes are a good source of sodium. Remember that some of the signs of electrolyte imbalance are irritability, nausea and drowsiness. Be prepared and prevent this problem when possible.
