Daily Colon Flushing with Water: Experiences and Insights

Hi, question here. What is it called when you flush your colon with water daily, instead of wearing a bag? Does anyone here do that? What's it like?

Thanks

It would be called problematic.

You have a colostomy. Are you considering flushing your colon daily without the advice of your doctor?

Why would you consider doing this? Daily?

I believe you are talking about irrigation. I do not irrigate, but we have some people who do.

You will need a descending or sigmoid colostomy to do it. If that's you, contact an ostomy nurse to help you set up.

Thank you! Irrigation! That's the word I was looking for. Just wanted to talk to someone who does it before I call the nurse, etc.

Please see the next comment! Sorry if I sounded crazy. Just wanted to find out more about irrigation.

How to Stay Hydrated with an Ostomy with Collin | Hollister

And the password is... irrigation. Ding ding ding... 😆...

You did sound crazy. But that's okay. Join the club. Most of us are... welcome. 🙋‍♂️

Ileostomates can't really irrigate, so it probably did sound foreign to you. I had a moment of "what the?" Then it dawned on me. Lol

Shamrock did! Ha ha. You recall that?

No, not foreign... she was saying "instead of a bag, flush colon." That was weird. Didn't compute.

I realized she had a colostomy, but the word "instead" tripped me up.

I read right past that "instead." Lol

Wait! Shamrock irrigated? I do not recall that.

Oh yes, I recall him explaining what he used to "flush" his stoma. We all told him he was nuts for doing it as an ileo. But he did it, yes indeed.

Former irrigator here, for 25 years; stopped about a year ago. There's plenty of info here on the topic; search it up. It's a training of the bowels to eliminate at a certain time of day. Few can achieve excellent control and not have to wear a pouch, but it's rather rare, IME. If you are regular, it would work better, but it's possible to be trained. It's time-consuming and frustrating in the beginning, but it gets easier with time. Persistence and a good attitude are key.

I have irritable bowel, so I could never go without wearing a pouch. It helped, but after all the years of doing it, I finally decided it wasn't worth the time. An ostomy nurse can educate you and get you trained if you decide it's for you.

Best wishes on your journey!

Irrigation. My grandpa had a colostomy and seemed to always be in the bathroom. I got an ileostomy, which is easier to manage and is way above my beltline.

I am a daily irrigator and quite happy about it. I'm happy to answer questions.

I'm a 5-year ostomate and have irrigated the whole time (aside from a few weeks of initial healing).

I have irrigated every day for the past 7 years.

Ask me anything.

Hi,

I have been irrigating a colostomy daily for 19 years and wouldn't ever stop. Feel free to ask any questions.

I do it every morning; it's a game changer.

30 mins and that's me for the day, no bags, no fears, etc.

Thank you for sharing!

WOW!

Thank you! I'll talk later when I have more time! Much appreciated.