This topic is about someone who has been irrigating their ostomy nightly but has noticed that small amounts of stool, or "residues," continue to pass about four hours after what seems like a successful irrigation. They are curious if this delayed output is normal, especially since their diet hasn't changed.

Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:

1. If you are still passing residue at the five-hour mark, consider whether any recent dietary changes, like eating homemade cornbread, could be affecting your output.

2. Using 1,500 cc of water per irrigation is common, but if you notice that the return starts with clear water and ends with a dark-green liquid, you might wonder if more water is needed. Some people find they need to use a lot of water until the returns run clear to ensure a thorough clean-out.

3. Observing the color of the output can provide clues:
- It's normal for the first liquid to be clear.
- Final returns are typically brown or rust-colored. If you notice a persistent green color, it might be due to food dyes or bile concentration. If you haven't been eating large amounts of green foods, it might be worth discussing with a doctor.

4. Training the colon can take time. Some people experience varied output patterns, such as no output for a few days followed by daily output, especially when adjusting to every-other-day irrigation. Occasional breakthrough output can happen during this adjustment period.

5. If you experience unexplained color changes or if using 1,500 cc of water still leaves residue, it might be helpful to consult a healthcare provider. They can offer professional guidance to help you fine-tune the volume or technique of your irrigation.