Hi Laura, I’m 84 years old and have had a colostomy for three years. For the past few months, I’ve found my stool has been pasty and sticky. This makes it difficult to empty and clean my ostomy bag. Please tell me what to do to prevent ostomy “pancaking” from sticky stool. I took Benefiber® but it didn’t work. Please tell me any foods or medications that can improve my situation. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Troy
Hi Troy,
Sorry to hear about your recent issue. The first thing I would suggest is to make sure you’re drinking enough fluids throughout the day. Drinking fluids will help make stool less sticky. Another product that can really help with cleaning the pouch is a lubricating deodorant (there are many different products available, but here is an example). Lubricating deodorant helps stool fall to the bottom of the pouch and makes emptying and cleaning the pouch much easier.
Our OstomyLife Co-Moderator, Kelsey, has written an article about pancaking that you may find helpful as well — she herself is a colostomate.
Please let me know if you have any other questions!
I hope you’re happy and healthy!
Laura
For more information, see related articles and ostomy resources here:
- Order Your Free “Living Well With an Ostomy” Booklet
- Hydration with an Ostomy
- Odor Management with an Ostomy
- Medication or Pills to Eliminate Ostomy Odor | Ask Laura
- Nutrition and Your Ostomy Video
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