Hi,
I find that I am waking up multiple times through the night to "burp" my ostomy bag. Goodness knows how I have managed to awaken in time to avoid a ruptured bag/ mess (knock on wood). I have been trying to relate the problem to foods/ beverages I have had through the day but it doesn't seem to fall into any pattern. Suppose Gas X or Bean O at bedtime might help?

Have you tried taking 3 immodium at bedtime? That works well for me.

I used to have gas build up when I first got my perm ileo, now I don't have that problem. I sleep through the night.

I've also heard that if you don't eat late meals and/or eat some marshmallows that's supoposed to help. Good luck with that.

I haven't tried the immodium since I thought it was only for slowing down the output. I'll try it. Thanks.

Hi Nana,

Birdlady is right about the gas getting better with time. However it could also be down to bacterial overgrowth. I take probiotics every day which I believe really helps to keep my gas production to virtually nil.

I only ever drink sparkling mineral water (at least 2 litres a day) so you'd think if anything I would have a problem. I do a lot more burping since I had my j-pouch removed so perhaps that's another reason why I don't suffer from gas.

Another thing to think about is that I do wear the bags with a filter, though they can get clogged overnight so I change mine every morning after my shower.

Oh and as for waking up in time... It still amazes me to this day how my subconcious knows when it's time for me to get up to empty my bag, I've never (touch wood) woken up to a mess.

Good luck, I'm sure you'll figure something out eventually.

Shell

You know, I encounter this same problem sometimes and was wondering what to do about it. I think someone should invent a little belt or pouch that would sit loosely around/over the bag for nighttime. Then, when it reaches a certain circumference and presses on the belt/pouch, an alarm will sound to wake you up. What do you think, do I have a millionaire idea on my hands?

Erin

You DO have a $$$$ idea! But instead of an alarm make it a gate valve that only allows air out. There you go - now go out and make money!

BTW - if it were an alarm, would it be a blaring one that would wake up one's spouse too? Or the whole household in which case everyone goes running from the house because they think it's on fire? Or will they finally figure out "oh, it's just mommy's poop bag blowing up again?"

kathy

I started to take 2 immodium some time during the day and for a week no blimp. Then I had all sorts of trouble with leaks and stop taking them.. And last night I woke up twice with the blimps again... So today I'm taking the immoduim again..

Jessica