Hi,
I currently have a loop with a diverted J pouch since 10/15. I have found that the discharge from the bottom of my stoma has gotten worse (more discharge) over time. This could be the thing that pushes me to have the J pouch removed and an end ileo formed. It has become harder to place the barrier ring around this area b/c all the “wetness”. I have no idea what determines the amount of discharge so this could be unique to my situation. I have always had discharge rectally and this remains pretty constant. If the rectal discharge lessens or stops, this causes me to feel nauseated so the rectal discharge is a good thing for me even though it is annoying.
If I drink a lot ( which I usually do); the bag fills up pretty quickly. I guess I must empty around 10 times a day. I will empty as soon as I “feel” volume in the bag so I might be able to go longer but see no point if I have access to a toilet.
I was very cautious with eating for the first month and remember having some nausea then too. Probably by 8 weeks, I became more daring and slowly started adding salad and peanuts/seeds in small quantities. I chew chew chew most of the time to make stom’s job easier. My stoma really is amazing and has handled everything I have thrown at him.
I hope things get easier for your son over time. I hope he has an amazing stoma too!!