Returning to Normal After Irrigation with an Ostomy?

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SharronB
Aug 29, 2016 6:40 am

Hi there

I'm quite interested in trying this out. When you do it, can you go back to the normal way? Or as normal as pooping can get with an ostomy, lol

Bill
Aug 29, 2016 8:38 am
Very helpful

Hello SharronB. 

Of course you could go back to pooping with no control except to catch it in a bag. However,  if you manage to successfully irrigate, I would predict that you will not want to go back to that method.  I hope you give it a go - for your own 'convenience', wellbeing and future management of the stoma.

Best wishes

Bill

Hugo

This site has been a blessing for me in learning how to cope with and navigate this journey as an ostomate. I have a colostomy as a result of a perforation in my colon since May of this year. I don't know yet if it will be permanent or reversible. The people on here have provided me with so much advice and information about living with an ostomy that I don't think I could get anywhere else. You all have given me hope and a place to come to for support. I still struggle with acceptance, but know that it will come if I am patient. Patience has never been my strong suit! Also, I love all the humor, although it really pissed me off when I first came on here. Thanks to all of you.

CactusJack
Aug 29, 2016 2:31 pm

Irrigation is awesome. After surgery, life was a mess. I work in a school, so having a stoma and deciding to go into action at any time was ridiculous. Since I started irrigating, I have almost total control over when I go to the toilet, and if I get my diet right, I can even go without bags. I used a Coloplast Plug for a few weeks in the summer when I went on holiday. Give it a try and persevere!

Bettyjoe
Aug 29, 2016 7:30 pm

Oh boy, the more I read about this, the more I want to irrigate. Right now, my supplier made a mistake with the items that are needed. Once they arrive, I am going for it. I will keep you guys posted. This has been a long process for me with this irrigation thing, but I am determined. Thanks Bill, you are a strong advocate for this model. I need that.

CH
Aug 29, 2016 8:36 pm

Hi SharronB...I am relatively new to the irrigation process..have been doing it for about 2 months and it has changed my life! For me, the whole process takes about 35-40 minutes...no more bags to deal with..I wear a stoma "patch" and have had great success with it. I agree with Bill that I don't think you will want to go back to the other way, but if it's not for you then yes, you can go back! I was so afraid to try it at first but am very thankful that I did...it really is life-changing! Blessings...CH

 

Stories of Living Life to the Fullest from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

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SharronB
Aug 30, 2016 5:00 am

Thank you so much! I think I am going to go for it :)

Past Member
Aug 30, 2016 1:29 pm


Woohoo, go for it, either way it is better, sometimes I forget I'm an ostomate, been doing it for 4 years

CH
Aug 30, 2016 4:23 pm

Great...keep me posted on how you're doing and if you have any questions or need any help. If I can help, I'll be happy to. You'll do great! :)

CH
Aug 30, 2016 4:27 pm

By the way...my surgery was also in October 2014 and mine was also stage 3...still some discrepancies in exactly where mine originated from...tumor was very low...really rectal cancer but may have started in the cervix but the surgeons have agreed to disagree...ha...had a complete hysterectomy too just to be safe. Good luck! :)