I have been irrigating for 6 years now and I have to go on a course of chemo starting next week. My stoma nurse who has since retired told me that one cannot irrigate while on chemo! I would look forward to member's comment son this, thank you in advance.
Ajahn
Sep 16, 2021 6:32 am
Bill
Sep 16, 2021 6:44 am
Hello Ajahn.
I have absolutely no idea about this, and look forward to some more-informed replies.
However, if it was me in this position, I would be inclined towards accepting what the stoma nurse said (because it fits in with what I would want to hear). However, I might be inclined to get a second opinion if I had any serious doubts. On the other hand, I am the sort of guy that likes to experiment, so I'm just as likely to continue irrigating until somethig goes wrong. I have been doing just that for the past month, with different 'issues' and so far nothing serious has gone wrong.
The thought of having to live a life without irrigating fills me with dread and resentment - sufficient for me to try all sorts of things to make the irrigation work for as long as possible.
I do hope your situation works out and I also hope you let us know one way or the other.
Best wishes
Bill
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Posted by: Karen & Stella
Fay,
I am one of those few people who still have a lot of output at night. However, I suffer from short gut syndrome after seven bowel surgeries that led to the loss of much of my small intestine as well as my large intestine from the initial bowel cancer surgery. It does get better over time as your system adjusts, but an ileostomy can be a challenging adjustment. It's important to connect with a good Enterostomal Nurse - ET nurses who can help you problem-solve over time. It's been five years since my initial surgery, and I had a great visit with a new ET nurse in December. He really helped me with the problem of high output at night. I had been getting up every 90-120 minutes to empty my high output bag because of filling. If I slept for three hours without emptying, I would have problems. My ET nurse helped my husband and me make a nighttime collection system using a Rubbermaid juice container with a handle and my old CPAP hose. This is connected to one of my two-piece high output bags and allows for continual drainage. It isn't pretty, but it has been a real lifesaver. I guess the real message I want to share is to stick with it, find a nurse who you can work with, and together you will find solutions to whatever challenges you face. This website is also an important support for me and others. There is nothing you will go through that others haven't already faced and figured out. There is so much wisdom here. Read the materials they've put together for newbies. There are a lot of great suggestions to use. I hope things get better quickly for you.
Karen
I am one of those few people who still have a lot of output at night. However, I suffer from short gut syndrome after seven bowel surgeries that led to the loss of much of my small intestine as well as my large intestine from the initial bowel cancer surgery. It does get better over time as your system adjusts, but an ileostomy can be a challenging adjustment. It's important to connect with a good Enterostomal Nurse - ET nurses who can help you problem-solve over time. It's been five years since my initial surgery, and I had a great visit with a new ET nurse in December. He really helped me with the problem of high output at night. I had been getting up every 90-120 minutes to empty my high output bag because of filling. If I slept for three hours without emptying, I would have problems. My ET nurse helped my husband and me make a nighttime collection system using a Rubbermaid juice container with a handle and my old CPAP hose. This is connected to one of my two-piece high output bags and allows for continual drainage. It isn't pretty, but it has been a real lifesaver. I guess the real message I want to share is to stick with it, find a nurse who you can work with, and together you will find solutions to whatever challenges you face. This website is also an important support for me and others. There is nothing you will go through that others haven't already faced and figured out. There is so much wisdom here. Read the materials they've put together for newbies. There are a lot of great suggestions to use. I hope things get better quickly for you.
Karen
Past Member
Sep 18, 2021 7:18 pm
HI. Ajahn
If its any help to you, thankfully before I started irrigating I did a six month course of Chemo.(5FU). The affect on my remaining bowel due to the chemicles was devistatingly EXPLOSIVE
day and night. I was ballooning to the point that the pouces blasted themselves off my belly, and life was terrible. I can't think what state I'd have been in if I'd been Irrogating at the time.
I wish yoy good luck -but its worth it
D
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Puppyluv56
Sep 18, 2021 9:30 pm
I am not sure but I have a friend that continues to irrigate and has been on chemo for the past two years.
She may have some diarrhea but more often constipation. She irrigate regardless of the chemo side affects! If it was me, I would do it till I couldn't. Your medical team may be your best resource but they have no idea what you actually go through. Maybe a drainable pouch instead of a cap for safety sake.
Good luck!
Puppyluv
Ajahn
Oct 20, 2021 8:45 pm
Hi Bill, well I need not have worried about the runs as it is constipation that is the problem. After the first round of Chernobyl juice i did not move for 5 days, so I thought to do an irrigation BAD MOVE! All I did was to drive the hard stool back up and then endured about 6 or 7 hours of dare I say agony until it finally came out. I will not be poisoning the rats in my shed now as I know what it must be like for them! After the second round was forewarned as to diet and what not to be eaten but still a close fought battle. 7days post second dose and still having quite big and firm lumps exiting, can be quite uncomfortable at times, but at least it,s moving, will try irrigation again in a couple of days.
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