This topic is about the challenges someone is facing with colostomy irrigation after switching to a whole-food, plant-based diet. The person has been successfully irrigating for two years but is now experiencing issues with their stoma retracting, making it difficult to insert the irrigation cone. They are seeking advice from others who might have faced similar issues due to dietary changes.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. The person is considering keeping the stoma long-term and is unlikely to pursue surgical reversal. They have not experienced a prolapse, but the stoma slips below the barrier, and removing the wafer helps. They are thinking about trying a different barrier.

2. Due to gut dysbiosis following colorectal cancer, they must stay on a plant-based diet and cannot switch to a low-residue, high-protein diet. They believe the current stoma behavior is temporary and are trying to remain patient.

3. Diet and stoma behavior:
- Many irrigators note that diet affects output volume but usually does not cause retraction. Retraction might indicate another issue.
- High-fiber, high-volume plant foods, smoothies, shakes, and juicing can increase output and reduce the benefits of irrigation.
- Some recommend a high-protein, low-residue diet for longer empty periods and less gas, but this conflicts with the person's medical needs.

4. Barrier or wafer troubleshooting:
- The stoma hiding might be due to the wafer shifting. Trying different systems or sizes could help.
- Convatec two-piece appliances with a soft webbed barrier are praised for staying secure and allowing easy venting.
- Coloplast two-piece barriers work well, but the Click coupling can be harder to reconnect and vent.
- It's a good idea to request free samples from manufacturers like Convatec and Coloplast to test different barriers.

5. Rule out mechanical problems:
- Review information on retracted or prolapsed stomas to ensure nothing more serious is happening.
- If retraction continues, consulting a stoma nurse or surgeon for assessment is recommended.

6. Irrigation technique and routine:
- Consistency in meal timing and food types is important; the colon can adapt to a routine.
- Daily irrigators using about 6 cups of water report a 30-minute routine with immediate evacuation when kneeling over the toilet.
- Long-time irrigators find irrigation life-changing, allowing them to wear small covers instead of a pouch.

7. Covers instead of pouches:
- After irrigation, some protect the stoma with a round cotton cosmetic pad secured by Tegaderm Film, while others use Tegaderm Film alone.
- Occasional gas can inflate the film, so users experiment with venting techniques or alternative small caps.

8. General encouragement:
- Many learned about irrigation through forums, not medical staff, and encourage others to explore it.
- If difficulties arise, patience is key; the colon often adapts over time after dietary changes.