Liquid medications are more easily absorbed. Chewable tablets are also in this category, be sure to chew thoroughly for best absorption.
Uncoated tablets begin to dissolve in the stomach but the time it takes to completely dissolve varies with different products. Gelative tablets are less effective than liquids but are still effective. These may be ineffective for the ostomate with short bowel syndrome.
Generic coated tablets delay dissolving of the medication. Because of the rapid transit time of ileostomates and those with short bowel syndrome, these types of meds are not recommended.
Sustained release medication takes 8 to 12 hours for absorption. Ileostomates and those with short bowel syndrome should avoid this medicine. Pain medication may cause constipation. Diuretics that deplete potassium should not be used by the ileostomate. Antibiotics may cause diarhhea and may not be well absorbed by these same people.
Vitamins, other than B12, in tablet, chewable and liquid varieties and be used. Vitamin B12 is only effective if given by injection.
Antacids that contain calcium should be avoided by urostomates. This can increase the possibility of stone formation. Oral contraceptives should not be used by ileostomates since they may not be completely absorbed.
Sulpha may lead to crystal formation in urostomates. Drink at least 10 to 12 cups of fluid a day, and, if using ascorbic acid, discontinue it while taking sulpha.
Why do some people get more colds than others? Infections can be caused by obstructions, kidney stones, tumors, cysts, or scar tissues. Almost synonymous with obstruction is infection, and then too often comes stone formation. Once you have stone formation, it's hard to get rid of the infection. It's a kind of a cycle that goes around and around. Infection can be caused by urine being forced back to the kidneys through the conduit. This could happen if you fall asleep with the appliance full of urine and accidentally roll over on the pouch, causing urine to be forced back through the stoma and the urinary tract with tremendous pressure. Invariably, the urine in the appliance is contaminated. In general, to prevent and treat the infection, you need a good flow of urine, much like a stream. That not only dilutes the bacteria or germs in the urine but also helps wash them out. Two and one-half quarts of liquids daily are required for the average adult.
Night drainage is a MUST. Otherwise, you run the risk of urine backing up into the kidneys which can cause irritation or infection. This is especially important for urostomates with only one kidney. It's important to be aware of the symptoms of a kidney infection: elevated temperature, chills, low back pain, cloudy urine, or decreased urine output. People w ith ileal conduits normally produce mucus threads in their urine which give a cloudy appearance, but bloody urine is a danger sign. You must see your doctor if any of these symptoms occur.
"When you speak of heaven," he said, "let your face light up and be irradiated with a heavenly gleam. Let your eyes shine with reflected glory. And when you speak of hell... well, then your everyday face will do."
