| SELF CARE: Here are some strategies you may try to help you feel better:
Foods to eat:
Oatmeal, strawberries, potatoes, apples, apricots, pears, peaches,
bananas, raisins, yogurt, ten 8-ounce glasses per day of water, GatoradeTM,
ginger-ale, diluted fruit juice, or ginger tea. Eat frequent,
small meals.
Foods to avoid:
Caffeine, fast foods, fried foods, luncheon meats, hot dogs, bacon,
chips, dairy products (except for yogurt), whole grains, cornmeal, bran,
granola, wheat germ, nuts, seeds, and alcoholic and carbonated
beverages.
Supplements:
Acidophilus (you can purchase this nutritional supplement at a health
food or drug store). Share your plan to take acidophilus with your
doctor or nurse before starting this product to make sure it does not
interfere with the rest of your treatment plan.
Metamucil™
- Being prepared:
When planning activities away from home, consider the availability of
bathrooms.
- Consider taking an extra change of underpants with you if you will be
away from your home for an extended period of time. Bring along
handiwipes to clean your hands.
- Absorbent shields may be used to prevent the leakage of diarrhea onto
clothing.
- Skin care:
Keep your skin clean by washing with warm water after each bowel
movement. Dry the skin thoroughly.
- If the skin is intact (no open cut),
apply a cream containing petroleum (such as vaseline or A&D ointment™)
to protect the skin. (If the skin is open, contact your health care
provider in case of infection, or for a prescription-strength ointment).
- Consider carrying a squeeze bottle filled with warm water and a spray
cleaner with you when you go out.
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