Irrigation of Stoma

I have had my stoma for almost 4 years. I have never done irrigation or had it blocked. Wondering why some people do self-irrigation?

Irrigation is a way to get your active lifestyle back. Not everyone qualifies as you must have some descending colon left and it must be healthy. What type of ostomy do you have?

Hello Stillkicking. In answer to your question -- It's like most things in life, I do it because I want to! It frees me up to do many other things (I also want to do)  during the day without the restriction of having to wear a pouch/ bag/ appliance or whatever else we would like to call it.

Best wishes

Bill

Still kicking,

Irrigation gives you life some sense of normalcy! You are not worried about having to empty your pouch while out. It takes less time per day than emptying your pouch and cleaning up several times a day! Since I started irrigation, I have zero worries about going and doing anything! My ostomy does not even enter into the decision making! It used to be the first thought!

I have had a colostomy since 2001. I started irrigation about 2005. It changed my life completely. I do not wear a bag anymore. Now I wear a patch. The patch looks like a giant bandage. I would highly recommend irrigating but speak to your ostomy nurse prior to see if you are a candidate. Removing the bag and replacing with a patch changed my life.