This topic is about someone who usually manages their ostomy with a two-day irrigation routine, meaning they irrigate every other day and use stoma plugs to stay dry in between. However, after catching a cold or virus, they noticed unexpected changes in their bowel movements, even after increasing the frequency of irrigation. They are curious if others have experienced similar issues when sick.

Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:

1. It's not uncommon for illnesses like colds, viruses, or stomach bugs to temporarily change your bowel movements. This can also be influenced by any medications you might be taking during the illness.
2. These changes in output are usually temporary and tend to resolve as you recover from the illness.
3. The person has a history of lower-bowel cancer treated with chemo-radiotherapy and surgery, and they have been successfully irrigating since 2005.
4. They use a Braun irrigation pump and stoma plugs, which are sourced from the UK since they are not available in the USA or Canada.
5. Despite the illness, they continue to eat three unrestricted meals a day.
6. Fortunately, their symptoms are already showing signs of improvement.