This topic is about managing a new colostomy, focusing on diet, preventing issues like pancaking, choosing the right products, and exploring the possibility of irrigation. Here are some helpful insights and advice for navigating this journey:

- The user has a permanent colostomy since December 2010 after dealing with colorectal cancer and other complications. They previously managed a loop ileostomy but feel like they are starting over with the colostomy. Their main concerns include settling into a diet, preventing pancaking and blow-outs, choosing reliable products, and learning about irrigation.

- Medical history includes colorectal cancer in 2007, followed by radiation and chemotherapy, a loop ileostomy, a reversal, recurrent fistula, failed repairs, and finally, a permanent colostomy. The user is looking for menu ideas and a predictable routine, is interested in irrigation, and wants to know more about the Convatec Vitala continence control plug. They are widowed with five children and determined to manage their stoma effectively.

General Diet & Eating:
1. Everyone's food tolerances are different, so introduce one food at a time and chew thoroughly.
2. Common problem foods include peas, sweet-corn, beans/lentils, onions, garlic (especially processed), eggs, dense white flour products, wine gums/Haribo, Christmas pudding, and stuffing. Meats and pastas are often tolerated.
3. Keep a food diary and retest problem foods after several months, as the gut often adapts.
4. Bananas can help regulate output, and daily yogurt can help with odor.
5. When eating out, choose plain foods without sauces until you know your triggers.
6. Low-residue or soft-cooked vegetables may help if prone to blockages. Some people mince meats and steam or soft-cook vegetables like carrots to near-mush when strict fiber restriction is needed.

Pancaking & Leakage Prevention:
1. Keep some air inside the pouch to prevent a vacuum that encourages pancaking.
2. Lubricate the inside of the pouch with cooking spray, vegetable oil, baby oil, or commercial lubricant-deodorant sachets.
3. Consider products like Coloplast pouches with an internal coating, Eakin Cohesive Seals, and Clearway Stoma Bridge to prevent sticking and leakage.
4. Ensure the wafer is not flattened by clothes or a belt, allowing some air flow to prevent a vacuum.

Irrigation:
1. Irrigation is generally considered 3-6 months post-surgery if the stoma is in the descending/sigmoid colon and approved by a surgeon or WOCN.
2. Daily or alternate-day irrigation can provide up to 48 hours of control between flushes.
3. Requires training by an ostomy nurse and a regular schedule. Users report successful irrigations in various settings, including hotels and cruise ships.

Product & Supplier Tips:
1. The Convatec Vitala continence control plug can offer up to 12-hour continence once output is predictable. Consult Convatec or a WOCN for assessment.
2. Other helpful items include lubricant/deodorant packets, baby oil as an emergency lubricant, and sample programs from companies like Coloplast, Convatec, Hollister, and Salts Healthcare.
3. The United Ostomy Association of America provides food-caution lists and irrigation instructions.

Mind-set & Support:
1. Naming the stoma can help some people cope.
2. Accept that adjustment typically takes 3 months or more, with routines improving over the first year.
3. Stay connected to forums, Facebook groups, WOCN nurses, and local ostomy associations for ongoing tips and moral support.