FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD

After I started the clear diet yesterday my ostomy output picked up to where the bag was filling up really fast, sometimes sneaking up on me to the point of danger so they switched it out to an ileostomy bag, the difference being that the latter is for use  with the small intestine whereas the ostomy bag is for connections to the large intestine.  An ileostomy bag is connected to tube leading to a larger bag so it doesn't have to me drained as often but it is more difficult for walking around.  During the change Nurse S. noted the sore area around the stoma.  I think the problem was caused by a power that is supposed to prevent such things.  I highly recommend that you avoid the stuff if they will let you.  The blue wafers are much better for preventing and clearing any infection or sore areas.  For my money nothing is the best.  The area seems to be pretty self healing.
Had my clear diet breakfast this morning then a nap and Dr. S. came in for rounds at about 10.  Nothing new on the medical front except that he started me on solid (i.e. real) food for lunch. HURRAY!!!   I didn't think that was going to start for another day or two.  As I believe I told you they are going to look for any negative reaction such as upset stomach or pain rather than just the amount and texture of the output.  So for lunch I had what seemed like a banquet of plane breast of chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, peaches and angle food cake. Sooooooooo good.  I managed to eat about 75% of it and was stuffed. Nurse T came in and ran the photopheresis procedure.  White cell count was up so it was a bit faster, maybe 4 minutes less.
It crossed my mind to wonder if the hopefully thicker stool would have any issues with the small tube and valve used with the ileostomy bag.  The answer is yes it does. Once the thicker stool came into the small bag around the stoma it clogged the valve that drains to the larger bag below.  And of course it backed up quickly.  Since the valve wouldn't drain we had to cut the bottom of the rapidly filling bag to drain the fluid and then change it all back to the ostomy system.  I took the opportunity to take a photo of the stoma and the sore area around it to show the wound nurse tomorrow but I have a feeling she is going to want to see it in real time anyway so I guess we'll change it for the third day in a row.  A new record for me.  I'll spare you the picture.
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Supper just arrived so I paused for turnkey and gravy with rice, dinner roll, jello and a coke.  Passed on the overgrown over cooked asparagus.  Ate most of the rest.  The portions aren't that big, I'm just not used to eating so I get full.  Most of it is coming back but so far no pain or heartburn issues so lets hope it keeps up that way.  It's certainly the best things have gone in, well, since I've been here this time.  I'm making no assumptions but it gives me some hope.  And tomorrow morning should be bacon and eggs and coffee, decaf but coffee none the less.  Can't wait.
Hope you had a good day especially my fellow travelers on this highway thru hell.

Boone