NB – if unsure, ALWAYS consult with your Stoma Nurse and never assume anything, these are just general guidelines. Your specific medical history, stoma, and needs should be taking into consideration as some information is case specific and does not apply to all.
As an ostomate you will certainly appreciate the saying “A healthy body needs a healthy gut”.
One way to make sure your gut is healthy is to look at your stool. Many factors can change the appearance, texture, and color of your stool, for example, medication, but diet remains the common influence.
The Bristol Stool Chart is a useful tool that can help you determine if your stools are normal or not. Let’s look at what would have been normal before your colostomy or ileostomy formation – if you passed a Type 3 or 4, you had healthy stools!
An ileostomate’s new normal will be: Type 6 and 7.
The colostomate’s new normal will be: Type 5 if situated on the left side of the abdomen, but the further away from the anus, the more liquid the stools will be and if low on the right side of the abdomen this colostomy will have Type 6 and 7 stools as well.
Color of stools:
The color of your stool is determined by what you eat and how you digest it, any shade of brown is usually considered a normal stool color.
What if I see Red in my stools?
Foods like beets and cherries can turn your stool red. It could also mean you are bleeding in your lower intestinal tract and should be investigated by your physician if it is fresh blood inside the stools.
What if I see Black in my stools?
Iron supplements, blueberries, and black licorice can turn the stool black. A black or tarry stool can result from bleeding in your upper intestinal tract, such as your stomach. Therefore, you will find that the blood is digested, and have turned the stool black. Black, tarry stool usually has a strong, unpleasant odor and you should see your physician if this occurs.
What if I see Green in my stools?
Green vegetables, iron supplements, and green food coloring can also turn your stool green. You may notice green stool if you have diarrhea. When food moves through the digestive tract too quickly, the yellow-green bile that helps digest food doesn’t have enough time to break down and turn brown.
What if I see Yellow in my stools?
Yellow stool is usually the result of excess fat in the stool. This condition can happen if severe inflammation makes it difficult for your small intestine to absorb nutrients (known as malabsorption).
What if my stools are White or Grey?
Pale or grey-colored stool can happen if there isn’t any bile in the stool due to a bile duct blockage. If your stool is light or the color of clay, you should contact your doctor right away.