Greetings
I had a colostomy 2 weeks ago and produced good output for the first week.
Since then, output has slowed dramatically, and I've had to irrigate every second day because nothing has been passed.
I really don't want to end up irrigating permanently as it defeats the purpose
Hi, welcome.
Who told you irrigating defeats the purpose? And what exactly is the purpose you mean?
Irrigation is part of life.
People who do it enjoy a better life by not having as many bowel movements. Some go two days without a BM. Cherish it, dude, and believe in it. Accept it as a new normal.
Your two-week post-op. Nothing to worry about with no movements. Unless you have pain or discomfort?
Sit tight. Others will chime in and agree.
I'm an ileo for 8 years. Wish I had the benefit to irrigate. You will learn the difference between ileos and colos. It's a long journey, but you have good company here.
This is a remarkable community of 40,832 members.
You will get real advice from fellow ostomates who truly understand you - things you won't find in the books.
And it's not all about ostomy - there is friendship and relationships too.
Privacy is very important - your profile is not visible to the outside world.
Caz67
Well it's just coming upto a year since I had my emergency stoma. Since joining MAOM I have learnt all different kinds of ideas to help with the stoma. Not only that I have made a lot of good friends who I can talk to. The beauty of this site is it's not just giving tips and ideas we talk about anything and everything. So thank you for giving us a great site. XX
Like Warrior said, if you are irrigating, you are proactively removing the output. Every 2 days is great. Go enjoy life.
Hello Andrews,
I wish you good fortune and trust that you maintain the ability to race competitively - you have my respect for doing this within a paraplegic environment; it is simply great!
As regards your recent colostomy, I feel sure you will learn by experience and that your frustrations will be minimized once you become more au fait with your new colostomy.
My mother had a colostomy - I have an ileostomy - and as such, I have knowledge of both from different perspectives.
Take heart that you are very early in your post-op journey - and I feel sure as you learn more, your current dilemmas will become simplified.
As one who does not have the ability to control one's output, I do feel that in fact, those who have a colostomy have the potential for 'better management control' of their stomas - and as such, it may be possible for you to resume your competitive sport - do let the forum know as others may be very well inspired by your own achievements ......
I wish you the very best for the future. I hope you may update and continue to contribute to this community - for you have found a great site to ask many questions - and with a bit of patience and due diligence, you will be able to research in detail through other members' direct experiences - so valuable!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ waves from the UK ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Good luck
Jayne
When I irrigated, I would only have to do it every one to two days, unless you are eating a hell of a lot of food.
Even now, if I drink a big cup of strong Peet's coffee, it really clears my colon out, and I will not have a bowel movement or very little for a couple of days. As others have said, if you have no pain and are still having gas, it is usually good.
G-Day Andrews,
Totally agree with everyone, we Ileostomates have to empty 6 to 7 times a day. If you can go 2 days, you're blessed.
How did you master irrigation after just a couple of weeks, or is someone doing it for you?
Regards, IGGIE
You are welcome. Good to have you. This is the place where b.s. stops. The rumors, false beliefs, errors, etc.
No one knows what it's like having a bag and stoma, or reversal complications.
Except us.
We are the good, not bad when it comes to this.
Whatever you need, we will be here.
Welcome again.