Irrigation for Ostomates: A Game-Changer!

Hi all, I have been an ostomate for 40 years due to rectal cancer. The nurses at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis showed me how to irrigate every morning after breakfast. Upon completion of cleaning out my bowels and a shower, I can get by almost every day with just wearing a stoma cap. I say "almost" as I put on a bag if I am going out to dinner to have a big meal with either a cocktail or wine.

That is something I wanted to look into someday. Good to hear how well it works for others. Thanks for sharing.

I suggest that you speak to an ostomy nurse before you start.

I have read all about irrigation. You'd think with the stoma and gear issues I have, I'd seriously consider it. But I can't bear the thought of spending an hour on a self-care project every morning or every other morning. With my many autoimmune disorders, my self-care is enough. Because I eat so little, I empty my colostomy pouch just twice a day and am very efficient now, emptying in 5 minutes or so. Rarely do I have to clean up the toilet or area around it due to a misfire. And I don't really mind wearing a pouch. That's weird.

I appreciate you bringing irrigation to my mind, though, as if my gear experiments continue, irrigation might be the only answer.

Whatever works best for you.

Good to meet someone else that irrigates. I had my surgery in 2019 and started irrigating within a couple of months. I had retired early so used irrigation more as a lifestyle aid at first, doing it just as needed, such as when traveling. Then a recruiter contacted me and I ended up working full time again, so now I do it every day. It means getting up a little earlier but does make for a more relaxing day!

I started irrigation a few months ago. My biggest regret is that I waited so long. It certainly is a game changer.