Has anyone with a colostomy had a colonoscopy? I am having one soon and would like to know how horrible the prep will be.
tbird56b
Oct 31, 2025 12:28 am
SusanT
Oct 31, 2025 1:53 am
I've had 2 colonoscopies since I got my stomas.
I normally use a closed-end pouch but switched to an open-end pouch for the prep. I didn't find it too bad. You run to the bathroom frequently, but it's easier than prepping without the colostomy because you can monitor the bag rather than just run. Fair warning, the bag fills fast, so go sooner than you normally would.
I've seen recommendations to use an irrigation bag for extra volume. This seemed like a great idea, but I wasn't able to use the ones I got, so I never tried that trick.
Do think about how you will empty if you are not used to liquid output. It does splash quite a bit. I used a large plastic cup because it was easier to prevent splashing.
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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
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Georgy Porgy
Oct 31, 2025 2:22 pm
I've had a couple as well. First off, use a two-piece system. For my first one post-operation, I brought an extra pouch, just in case. Before going under, I made sure they knew how to remove it. For my second procedure, I forgot to bring an extra. I didn't need it. For this second one, I did have to remind them, or perhaps inform them for the first time, that I have an ostomy! It's always telling when they ask you to roll over to your side.
Chevichump
Nov 01, 2025 12:39 pm
Hi,
Like the guys say, it's no worse and probably slightly easier than the "traditional" method. I use a drainable 2-piece bag, and the only adjustment I made was to use a maxi size rather than the midi.
Other than that, I just retired to the bedroom for the evening, drank the drink, watched TV, and made regular visits to the loo.
On the day, take a few extra supplies just in case and remind the staff they're going to be going in from the front.
Staying Hydrated with an Ostomy with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister
