Hi there
I'm quite interested in trying this out. When you do it, can you go back to the normal way? Or as normal as pooping can get with an ostomy, lol
SharronB
Bill
Hello SharronB.
Of course you could go back to pooping with no control except to catch it in a bag. However, if you manage to successfully irrigate, I would predict that you will not want to go back to that method. I hope you give it a go - for your own 'convenience', wellbeing and future management of the stoma.
Best wishes
Bill
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CactusJack
Irrigation is awesome. After surgery, life was a mess. I work in a school, so having a stoma and deciding to go into action at any time was ridiculous. Since I started irrigating, I have almost total control over when I go to the toilet, and if I get my diet right, I can even go without bags. I used a Coloplast Plug for a few weeks in the summer when I went on holiday. Give it a try and persevere!
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Hollister
Read our tips to help you prepare for air, ground, or cruise travel with a stoma.
Bettyjoe
Oh boy, the more I read about this, the more I want to irrigate. Right now, my supplier made a mistake with the items that are needed. Once they arrive, I am going for it. I will keep you guys posted. This has been a long process for me with this irrigation thing, but I am determined. Thanks Bill, you are a strong advocate for this model. I need that.
CH
Hi SharronB...I am relatively new to the irrigation process..have been doing it for about 2 months and it has changed my life! For me, the whole process takes about 35-40 minutes...no more bags to deal with..I wear a stoma "patch" and have had great success with it. I agree with Bill that I don't think you will want to go back to the other way, but if it's not for you then yes, you can go back! I was so afraid to try it at first but am very thankful that I did...it really is life-changing! Blessings...CH
Living with Your Ostomy | Hollister
Past Member
Woohoo, go for it, either way it is better, sometimes I forget I'm an ostomate, been doing it for 4 years
CH
Great...keep me posted on how you're doing and if you have any questions or need any help. If I can help, I'll be happy to. You'll do great! :)
CH
By the way...my surgery was also in October 2014 and mine was also stage 3...still some discrepancies in exactly where mine originated from...tumor was very low...really rectal cancer but may have started in the cervix but the surgeons have agreed to disagree...ha...had a complete hysterectomy too just to be safe. Good luck! :)