When in doubt, go warm liquids, lie down, and wait. But never wait if vomiting or severe pain enters the chat.

Immediately. Your gut needs a break.

Here is your guide to spotting, solving, and preventing the dreaded stoma blockage. A blockage (technically a food or mechanical obstruction) happens when something gets stuck where your intestine passes through the abdominal wall. Because your stoma has no nerve endings, you won’t feel pain in the stoma itself—but you will feel it everywhere else.

If you have an ileostomy or colostomy, there is one word that can strike fear into your heart faster than almost any other: 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.

Have you dealt with a blockage before? What is your go-to trick for clearing it? Drop a comment below—we learn best from each other’s trenches. This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your doctor or stoma care nurse for your specific health situation.

Let’s be real: Living with a stoma is mostly freedom, but blockages are the hidden speed bump on that road. The good news? Most blockages resolve on their own. The better news? Knowing exactly what to do can turn a panic attack into a manageable plan.