Irrigation: Increasing Water Amount And Reusing Drains?

Question

So, I finally did it! I gave irrigation a try. Everything went fine except I don't think I am completely cleaned out. I started with 500cc of water, so should I increase that on day two? Also, do most people reuse the drains? They seem pretty sturdy, but I don't want to trust them if they are not made to be reused. Manufacturing says nothing about it. I am excited for this change. I am a high school teacher, and the stress in the classroom with "things happening" and not being able to leave the students is so stressful and has been making me not go to work (I typically love being a teacher). I am really hoping this does the trick.

Susanne · Answer

Hi.
I usually use the irrigation sleeve for quite a long time, wash it out nicely, and it lasts for a few months. Irrigation has been a lifesaver for me as I do not want to constantly check bags if there is anything in it. I don't use bags anymore - only those bigger bandaids which work great. 97% of the time, I do well, and I usually use 800 ml lukewarm water. That seems to work. However, a few days ago I changed my diet to a high fiber one and boy, that has been bad for my stoma. Yesterday, I had outflow all day, thank God it was Sunday and I did not have to be at work. Today, I am wearing a bag to work, just to know I am safe, and I already had to change it once. I do hope that this will stop as I like high fiber diets as they are healthy, but I hope my colon gets used to that and not output everything so fast. I irrigate once a day at night and have done so over 1.5 years now, and it works great.

Susanne · Answer

Hi.
I usually use the irrigation sleeve for quite a long time, wash it out nicely, and it lasts for a few months. Irrigation has been a lifesaver for me as I do not want to constantly check bags if there is anything in it. I don't use bags anymore - only those bigger bandaids which work great. 97% of the time, I do well, and I usually use 800 ml lukewarm water. That seems to work. However, a few days ago I changed my diet to a high fiber one and boy, that has been bad for my stoma. Yesterday, I had outflow all day, thank God it was Sunday and I did not have to be at work. Today, I am wearing a bag to work, just to know I am safe, and I already had to change it once. I do hope that this will stop as I like high fiber diets as they are healthy, but I hope my colon gets used to that and not output everything so fast. I irrigate once a day at night and have done so over 1.5 years now, and it works great.

Bill · Answer

Hello Susanne. When I have this sort of problem I take Metamucil last thing at night. It seems to gently help everything get irrigated at the appropriate time.
Best wishes
Bill

Irrigation: Increasing water amount and reusing drains?

Interesting Topics