Question: I have a colostomy bag. permanent....and for 2 yr love it. Lately I have been having too many bouts of diarrhea for which I take antidiarrheal pills or liquid form of immodiumAD. I also am limited to 40 oz fluid/stage 3 renal disease due to acute renal failure 2 years ago, too. My stoma is high,left side, made of a little piece of small intestine. I am aware of the importance of the h2o exchange & was told by my surgeon to discuss the increase of fluids with nephology....but is it true I need an increase & also I feel immune to immodium because I have never had a perastolic wave, from 3 intusseption/partial colonostomy when I was born in 1955. I am cancer free...watch my diet....firm stool only happens when I take 5-2mg immod. daily & ofcourse I watch my diet....I am always running out of bags & barriers & I need help please. Medicare does not allow me enough supplies for the diarrhea days . Is the water exchange the problem. I wgt 142 lbs, 61 yr old & just want to get back to normal. Any suggestions on diet, water amount , or what should I do? Sincerely XXXXX Help...I have done 10 immodium today & it still is running so soft. (Got to go now) I mow grass...cook..clean take care of my husband..all outside work...& I just want a firm stool again. A new diet might help...I am so tired of the brat diet....it's not firming me up. Again is it the water? Please help !!! Sincerely, XXXXXX my stoma is 1"x1 1/8 outer circum.