Please help save my marriage!

Just kidding about my marriage, but my husband and I have a continual debate about my ileostomy drainage. He says that everything I drink, all liquids, go directly to my kidneys/bladder. I say that much of my liquid intake goes out my ostomy pouch. You would think we understand our basic anatomy, but we don't. If I go all day without eating, I still have to empty pouch several times. Has anybody had this explained to them? Btw, he is even a nurse who works in intensive care, but doesn't see many ostomies on his unit. I just want to understand. Thank you.

16 replies   

I totally agree with you on this. It also seems to me that if I for some reason do not eat and only drink there is definately more liquid in the pouch. I think after colon removal, absorbtion is altered. When I drink blue gatorade, my pouch has a blue color in it. , Many doctors and pharmacists don,t realize how different even taking pills can be. We have discussed this before on other threads. Even though I have a full small intestine,( where medications are absorbed) many medications go right through me. Same with many other people on this site. Ostomy surgery just alters the way things are absorbed and reabsorbed. Of course some of the fluids are pancreatic liquids, but drinking a large amount of liquid and not eating (for whatever reason) makes that pouch very full.

Hi AMT52....
Ok... because I have an ostomy and one kidney, I see a nephrologist who tells me all the time... The amount of fluid I take in.. does NOT reach the kidney,bladder because of the extreme high output I have..
The fluids we take in have to be absorbed within our body into the BLOOD, which is filtered through the kidney... Not the liquids..

Does that help any??
Marriage saved?.. and YOU win!! : )

There you go Mare, Perfect answer, and you saved the marriage! . Again, You are so knowledgeable! I hope today is a better one for you then yesterday.

Thanks to both of you, Cookielin & Mare. This makes total sense. He may not like being "wrong" again, but the subject will be closed. After all, there are hundreds of other issues we can quibble about! Add marriage counselling to your resume'. Aaahh, the little pleasures in life:)

Amt52

I had most of my colon removed due to colon cancer 20 years ago. Most of your fluids are absorbed in your colon so with most of mind gone I tend to be de-hydrated most of the time. I drink lots of fluids mostly water none sugar drinks as they tend to absorb better. Also I drink small amounts 6 to 8 oz but often. My doctor said your body can adapt to changes.
Hope this helps.

Nothing I can add to the discussion. I just wanted to post something.
Sounds like you win and your marriage is saved!
Blessings,
Alan

Kidneys filter blood from the circulatory system and as a by product of their filtering they produce urine. Our gastrointestinal system absorbs fluids in order to keep nutrients in the body and allow them to be picked up by the circulatory system to provide homeostasis. The amount of fluids that you drink has an effect on the amount of blood that is filtered by the kidneys.
Of course the actual process is much more complicated than this...just as marriages are much more complicated that one could ever explain. Enjoy your weekend.

so helpful about what absorbs where. helps me be more committed to drinking more water,in smaller quantities, more frequently. and the marriage comments were priceless... had to share them with my husband who also got a good chuckle. have a great day everyone!!!

Lots of good information to absorb. I wish I could absorb pills and fluids as well as I can good info! LOL

Yes, this has been been a constructive conversation, and I am grateful for all of you. How amazing our bodies are. I saw on tv that some European countries are building and experimenting with artificial colons, and small intestines as well. Some success so far. What's next? Brain transplants? I know some people who I'd take a brain from, cause they've never been used!

Well, you know, Amt, there is no cure for STUPID!!
Blessings,
Alan

LOL, Alan! That's good. If they could cure it, who would entertain us?

I guess you're right. But don't you get tired of dealing with them?
Blessings,
Alan

lol... Great conversation!!!
I do know a guy who had an intestine transplant.. probably 9 years ago.. He is doing great! Pig intestine.. He was knocking on deaths door.. and one foot inside the gate.. there was no choice but to try this route!

If they do come up with an artificial colon, and small intestine... I'm signing up!! I've always done the studies offered, since I was a teen.. so why stop now!! Keep us posted if you see more on that! It would be very interesting! Amazing to think of it.....

Soo... What has hubby said about the "absorption of liquids" Now??? lol..

Alan... I think we'd be bored if there were NO entertainment!!

Mare, What CAN he say? The story was right here! Did he say, "I was wrong."? Hmmph, don't think so, but he does understand now. Yes, I will continue to research. I'm 60 yrs old, and won't volunteer for any transplants. But maybe you courageous souls will do it, and future generations....

Hey.. 60 years old is still YOUNG!!! I'm 55 and I'm hoping I have another good, minimum of 20 years or more! I have several friends who are in their 80's and they do the Senior Olympics!!! If I can be that active at that age.. I'll be very Wehappy!!!

lol... Well.. any time we can help you win an arguement with hubby.. let us know... You have us on YOUR side... We got your back!!

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