Topic Explanation:
The forum topic is about seeking advice on irrigating and managing odor with a colostomy. The user has had a colostomy for 9 months and is interested in trying irrigation due to experiencing odor around the wafer. They are also concerned about running out of supplies and the potential impact of irrigation on their bowel movements.
Advice and Insights:
- Most people who try irrigation never go back to bags due to the convenience of not having to tend to the bag during the day.
- It's recommended to watch a useful video on YouTube demonstrating how easy it is to irrigate, especially for those feeling nervous about the procedure.
- It's important to talk to a professional stoma nurse or consultant to determine if irrigation is suitable for the individual.
- Irrigating can be done in the morning or evening, but it's better to try and do it at the same time each day.
- It's advisable to have a few bags on hand to use or on the shelf, especially at the start, in case of any issues that may require reverting back to using bags temporarily.
- Irrigation provides a sense of freedom, reduced expelling of wind, no bag to dispose of, no sweaty skin under the bag, and almost no smell.
- It's recommended to experiment with different products and find what works best for the individual.
- For those using a two-piece system, small bags from certain companies can be rinsed and reused, and it's advisable to ask for free samples to try them out.
- Irrigation can change one's life and provide a sense of control over bowel movements.
- It's important to find what procedures work best for the individual and to stay in touch with the community for support and advice.
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