bowel training

[steiconi]

I just started irrigating, and would love 'gate every other day.
Is there a way to train bowels to expect a 48-hour routine, or do you just have to go with the flow?

Current timing (based on three whole days of irrigating) seems to be 36 hours.

thanks!

[ot dave]

Not really, at least not for me.
I have found though, that exercise/activity and diet, combined with the use of immodium, that I can get 48 hours of no output. Basically, for me, the more active I am, the less I eat, and the use of immodium, I can get to 48 hours, but start to get uncomfortable by the end of that time frame. I think it is possible to be able to make adjustments that allow you to be output free for 48 hours....at least in my experience.

David

[markstan]

I believe that based on posts here and my own experience each person has their own natural transit time. Mine like yours is about 36 hrs. You may be able to alter it by diet changes and immodium but that is probably not a healthy long term solution. As people age their transit time typically slows. I hope you are lucky enough to experience that possibilty. I am not.

Mark

[Jimbob]

First get your irrigation routine and process worked out. I suggest everyday for a month. Then start experimenting and see what your body will allow you to do.

That way you will be more in control of the process. Takes time as everyone here can attest.

[steiconi]

I thought I'd try every-other-day to see what my body wanted to do.
First time, day and a half. Second time, less than a day. Third time was just this morning, so I'll have to see...

[Sandywr]

so happy for you. I haven't tried it yet. A little nervous about it.

[newsueinWI]

I have been irrigating for about a month. Some late returns but nothing that requires an urgent bathroom visit. I don't understand how people get 48 hours? My body is used to daily I guess. Ate a poor diet over the weekend and walked 17 miles. Had output later in the evening. For me exercise gets things going.

I'm hoping to at least transition to a mini bag. That coupled with irrigation seems as glorious as it can get for me.

best of luck to you (us)!

Sue

[steiconi]

It sounds like the 48-hour folks are taking immodium, which stops things up. I'd rather not medicate, so I think I'll just have to be deliriously happy with 24 hours.

[Lisa]

It sounds like the 48-hour folks are taking immodium, which stops things up. I'd rather not medicate, so I think I'll just have to be deliriously happy with 24 hours.

I've tried skipping a day twice to see what would happen and I was able to go the 48 hours without any Imodium. I thought that would be ideal to only have to irrigate every other day but in truth I felt bloated and uncomfortable. For now I'm deliriously happy sticking with 24 hours too! That's all you really need.

so happy for you. I haven't tried it yet. A little nervous about it.

Sandy, you should go for it! Nothing to lose and so much to gain!

[ot dave]

It sounds like the 48-hour folks are taking immodium, which stops things up. I'd rather not medicate, so I think I'll just have to be deliriously happy with 24 hours.

For me and my experience, my transit time has been historically pretty quick, so in an effort to slow things down for planned occasions such as camping, hunting, traveling, etc, I will use the immodium. It has never stopped things up for me, just slowed them down enough for me to get to the 48 hour mark. That said, I agree with Lisa, when I do go 48 hours, I am definitely ready to irrigate...I too feel "full" and ready for some relief/release. I like the daily irrigation as it keeps me in a routine and I can get the "freedom" I want without the discomfort at the end. There are folks whose transit time is slower, and they can go 48 hours without immodium. Again, like everything else, this is as unique as each individual here. Find what works best for you....

David

[CANT DECIDE]

After 7 years I have decided to irragate. Due to my work schedule I am trying to irragate in late afternoon. Not having much luck. Very little comes out. My normal output is in the early AM. Could this be the problem? In time will my bowels learn to output in the late afternoon?
If I have to switch to early AM that would mean I irragate around 3AM.

[Murph00]

Hey CD,
Congrats for taking the first step. Assuming you have a colostomy and know that you have been left with enough colon, you should be able to irrigate just about anytime that suits your schedule. Your body will respond and adjust accordingly.

Before we can offer much advice you'll need to give the group some details of how you irrigate. How many infusions and how much are your infusing? Are you using cold, "luke warm", or hot water for your infusions? Are you waiting long enough etc? It can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months to get a routine down.

Medications can also have an adverse affect so the more information you provide the more we can fully understand your situation.

In the meantime keep at it. It will get better and easier.

Murph

[CANT DECIDE]

Using Luke warm water. About 1000 first two times then increased it to almost 1500. I have only been infusing for 8 days so far. I guess I am expecting too much . I won't give up. This is a fantastic forum

[Murph00]

Hey CD,

I infuse twice at roughly 13-1400 so you might be ok there. However we are all different and it varies from person to person.
I don't think you're expecting too much. After 8 days you should start to notice some improvement and "somewhat consistent" results. I would consider going with hot water. Please use the term hot with caution and common sense. If you can't run your hand under the water comfortably its going to be too hot. I just know luke warm didn't cut it for me and a few others on this forum prefer their water on the hot side too.

Another mistake I made early on was trying to fill the bag all the way up and use that through two infusions, not thinking that by the time you get to your second infusion the water would be at room temperature therefore not doing an adequate job. So now each infusion gets fresh hot water.

Also very important is hydration. If I don't drink enough roughly 1/2 hour prior to irrigating, I get poor results or little output. Drink lots.

Hope this helps,
Murph

[markstan]

While some of the gators seem to get better results with warm water, in my experience this is not necessary. I have irrigated while in Asia using bottled water which was at room temperature and had no difficulty. Not saying water temp doesnt matter but I think it is a second order effect. In my experience hydration is a first order effect. I irrigate while on chemo and that can result in dehyration which definitely effects ones output. In addition meds can effect bowel function as well. With the caveats of adequate bowel length, meds, and hydration, irrigation success should be a matter of dialing in the infusion process. One last thing though as a new irrigator you may well have your best early success irrigating at the time of day that your bowel movements occur naturally.

Mark