Prevention is the best cure for stoma blockages.
A stoma blockage occurs when stool is unable to pass through the stoma into the pouch. This can happen for two main reasons:
While home management works for partial blockages, a complete blockage is a medical emergency. Go to the Emergency Department immediately if: stoma blockage
Lie on your back and pull your knees toward your chest (like a happy baby pose). Roll gently from side to side. Gravity and movement often dislodge the offender.
Chew until you can’t feel the food in your mouth anymore. Then chew 10 more times. Prevention is the best cure for stoma blockages
Put nothing solid in your mouth. Eating adds more traffic to the jam.
Pro tip: If your stoma is soft and mushy but output stops, it’s likely just slow motility. If it’s firm, rigid, or swollen —it’s likely a blockage. Go to the Emergency Department immediately if: Lie
Soaking in a warm bath relaxes the abdominal wall. Sometimes, the blockage will literally fall out into the tub (don't worry—it washes away).