A colostomy is a surgically induced opening in the colon. Colostomy irrigation is a way to regulate stool through emptying the colon on schedule. Irrigation involves instilling water into the colon through the opening (stoma), which stimulates the bowel to empty. Repeated irrigation trains the bowel to empty with minimal stool between irrigations. Colostomy irrigation is a personal decision. The advantages of irrigation are freedom of movement, increased comfort, decreased gas, minimal odor, and less diarrhea and constipation.
Read more:
How do I Flush a Stoma? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_6831511_do-flush-stoma_.html#ixzz0xbhac8UvI think the key word here is training the bowel.........also I remeber when I started it depends on the type of surgery you had....................I do not think all colostomy surgeries are the same and it depeneds on which part of the colon they removed............some stool is very liguid for some and for some normal......you should also check ..with surgeon......what type of stoma.....
I will give you a tip which I do..and well makes it much easier for me..I do my irrigation in the shower .........before I wash...all is needed is a bench .....and a bucket ....I find clean up is easier and..I seem to feel better and relaxed after having showered.............The irrigation bag I hang over the shower spout............Most people shower today..so is the ideal place to do it........clean up a breeze......and is comfortable to do it.......do not worry about wafers..as well they seem to stick more when wet........I have never had a problem..I use Hollister.....( new Image)
My guess is your bowels will become used to this procedure.....It took me 5 years before I started to do this..........and well it sets you free......no problem with going to restaurants...dinner parties..and travelling........I am a 11 year ostomate.......
You will find there are not many people doing irrigation..I asked my stoma supply outtlet and they told me I was the only one...for them ...imagine in a city of 3 million........so is probably new for your doctor and stoma nurse.............
Also I was told we should drink plenty of water................by my Doctor as well...we can get dehydrated more easily...........
Good luck to you......I guess you will be hearing from those who irrigate.......