So wonderful to hear, Andy...you're navigating through the process! I think you will find that as you progress, it will be less time-consuming and your confidence will just escalate...know this...irrigation WORKS...you can be confident that you won't need a bag eventually...you just have to learn your own "process" in terms of how long it takes and when you can be confident that all is well and you can put the stoma cap on with confidence. Personally, the whole process is basically finished for me within about 45 minutes...at first, I waited an hour just to be sure, but now I know I'm safe within the 45-minute time frame. Everyone is different, and you will learn what works for you. So proud of you for not giving up and tweaking what you needed to...you will find that your post will help someone else! Blessings :) CH

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