Learning Ostomy

Question:

  Every time I have experienced a blockage of any kind with my ileostomy, I have gotten relief from having an IV when in the hospital. What is it that the IV does that provides such relief?? It would be so much cheaper, simpler, and faster, if I could just go to a clinic when needed and get an IV without the hassles of dealing with an ER.                                 ;-Deano

Response:

Dean Dancey <d…@sympatico.ca> wrote: >  Every time I have experienced a blockage of any kind with my >ileostomy, I have gotten relief from having an IV when in the hospital. >What is it that the IV does that provides such relief?? It would be so >much cheaper, simpler, and faster, if I could just go to a clinic when >needed and get an IV without the hassles of dealing with an ER. >                            ;-Deano

If you are only receiving fluids and no medications, and still finding relief, perhaps it is pointing to dehydration as a part of the problem.  Now, whether that dehydrated state is a cause, or an effect, is something for you and your doctor to figure out.  In the meantime, I would drink plenty of fluids (and be wary of those that have a diuretic effect). Be well! KarenF (I)

Response:

Could you ask what they put in your IV?  It could be a painkiller similar to Demoral.  This would relax your system and contribute toward blockage relief. Btw, you may be able to remove the blockage at home – cheaper yet!  Clinics around here clear an ileostomy blockage by irrigating with a "Fleet Enema", available in drug stores here.  If you have to use one, save the bottle it comes in and you will probably be able to clear later blockages with warm water.  Works best while lying down (probably in the bathtub for when it breaks loose), rather than standing in the shower or sitting on the john.  Some take Demoral to relieve the intense pain.  Demoral may also help to relax the muscles which, in turn, may help to dislodge the blockage.  Getting in a pool or lying down in a tub of warm water to equalize the pressure has also been recommended as a way to relax the muscles. Earl – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Dean Dancey wrote: >   Every time I have experienced a blockage of any kind with my > ileostomy, I have gotten relief from having an IV when in the hospital. > What is it that the IV does that provides such relief?? It would be so > much cheaper, simpler, and faster, if I could just go to a clinic when > needed and get an IV without the hassles of dealing with an ER. >                                 ;-Deano

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Earl wrote: > Could you ask what they put in your IV?  It could be a > painkiller similar to Demoral.  This would relax your > system and contribute toward blockage relief. > Btw, you may be able to remove the blockage at home – > cheaper > yet!  Clinics around here clear an ileostomy blockage by > irrigating with a "Fleet Enema", available in drug stores > here.  If you have to use one, save the bottle it comes in > and you will probably be able to clear later blockages > with warm water.  Works best while lying down (probably in > the bathtub for when it breaks loose), rather than standing > in the shower or sitting on the john.  Some take Demoral > to relieve the intense pain.  Demoral may also help to > relax the muscles which, in turn, may help to dislodge the > blockage.  Getting in a pool or lying down in a tub of warm > water to equalize the pressure has also been recommended > as a way to relax the muscles. > Earl > Dean Dancey wrote: > >   Every time I have experienced a blockage of any kind with my > > ileostomy, I have gotten relief from having an IV when in the hospital. > > What is it that the IV does that provides such relief?? It would be so > > much cheaper, simpler, and faster, if I could just go to a clinic when > > needed and get an IV without the hassles of dealing with an ER. > >                                 ;-Deano

The IV they gave me this time was saline, Gravol, and morphine.  I have had the same with Demerol before.  I have tried the fleet enemas, but they usually have little or no effect on me when it gets that bad. I once had a blockage that was related to a bad bout of pancreatitis, and it took two days of IV fluids and painkillers to get everything moving again.  The enemas are also very hard as I have nerve damage in my hands from work and diabetes.  Not a  good grip or fine motor control either ;-P   Thanks for the info. ;-Deano

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