Starting colostomy irrigation can be a bit of a journey, especially if you're still passing stools. Here's a friendly guide to help you navigate this process with some useful tips and insights.

- It's okay to start irrigating even if you're still passing stools, but be prepared for it to be a bit messier than when your bowel is inactive. You might need to plan for some extra cleanup.

- Establishing a consistent routine can make things easier. Many people find it helpful to irrigate at the same time each day, with evenings being a popular choice. Following up with a shower can also be refreshing.

- One experienced user found that irrigating every 24 to 48 hours worked well, often resulting in an empty pouch most of the time.

- Be prepared for the entire irrigation session, including infusion, evacuation, and cleanup, to take about an hour.

- Keep in mind that certain life events, like pregnancy or developing a hernia, can affect how well irrigation works. After any abdominal surgery or hernia repair, you might need to reassess if irrigation is still the best option for you.

- If you find that irrigation isn't practical, consider other ways to manage output. Some people adjust their diet, eating less during the workday to reduce stoma output and help with weight control.