This topic is about the experiences of people with a colostomy who use irrigation as a method to manage their stoma output. One person shared their journey of irrigating every morning for a year, initially achieving complete continence but now experiencing occasional daytime output. They are seeking advice from others who irrigate. Here are some insights and advice shared by the community:

- Personal Routines and Frequency:
- Some people successfully irrigate every 2–3 days, with one person managing to extend it to 4 days by using 1.5 liters of water and controlling fiber intake.
- Another person started with daily irrigation and naturally transitioned to skipping a day over time.
- Those with severe motility issues might need to use more than 1.5 liters of water to achieve clearance.

- Diet Considerations:
- Lowering fiber intake and being mindful of trigger foods can help maintain continence between irrigations.
- High-fiber fruits and alcohol caused overnight diarrhea for one person, while popcorn was tolerated in moderation.
- Hot drinks might lead to unexpected output shortly after irrigation.

- Equipment Tips:
- Replacing the irrigation kit approximately every 1.5 years can improve water flow, as older cones may lose elasticity.
- The Coloplast kit’s flow-control wheel is appreciated for its ease of use.
- Mixing and matching equipment, like using a Coloplast irrigation bag with Hollister flanges and sleeves, is possible.

- Learning and Support:
- Irrigation is typically introduced about three months after surgery. It's recommended to consult a WOCN or stoma nurse for initial sessions.
- Historically, all colostomates were taught to irrigate when supplies were reusable, and it remains a valuable option for those with suitable anatomy.

- Safety and Complications:
- No injuries to the stoma were reported when proper technique is used and the colon is healthy.
- Persistent motility issues requiring multiple bags may indicate underlying problems, and professional evaluation is advised. One member’s surgeon suggested a possible conversion to an ileostomy.

- Quality-of-Life Benefits:
- Many users enjoy the freedom from wearing bulky pouches during the day, opting for a small cap instead, which boosts confidence in social and athletic situations.
- The irrigation time can be a relaxing period for reading or other quiet activities, turning it into a positive daily "me-time.