To Irrigate or not to irrigate. That is the question.

[SeaRay]

I had some questions several years ago when my colostomy was new. People here had some great answers and were very kind and helped me a great deal. Now I have some new questions. I would be most grateful for your opinions and advice.

I have been to the ER and then hospitalized 3 times since September with a small bowel obstruction. The first one happened the DAY AFTER bowel prep and a colonoscopy!

I am taking 2 doses of Miralax per day. That has my guts doing the Painful Twist. But it works to keep things flowing .... kind of. Although the poop is much softer than before Miralax, the same pattern persists. I will go several days with no output. Then I have a magnificent explosion. I will fill 4-5 pouches in a span of a couple of hours. Then nothing for several days. Would irrigation help with this? I have read enough here to know that most 'gators have a near religious zeal for their chosen path. The gastro doc was skeptical. Irrigation was described as " a homeopathic solution" which seem to infer that, in her opinion, it wasn't "real" medicine. But then, her suggested treatment hasn't helped much either.

I use Coloplast supplies and understand there is a Coloplast Click irrigation sleeve that will attach directly to my skin barrier / flange.

Thanks!!

Ray

[markstan]

Hi Ray,

Have you been given an explanation from the docs as to the cause of small bowel obstruction? I ask because irrigation is the means of clearing the large instestine. Also Miralax causes reverse osmosis in the large intestine which cause water to be drawn back into it. The output of the small intestine is liquid which is subsequently removed by the large intestine. So I am a bit puzzled why you are taking Miralax in response to small bowel obstructions. Small bowel obstructions are often seen in people with ileostomies. My thought is that irrigation will not solve your small bowel obstruction problem but I dont think there are any risks in trying it if you want to. One last thought, have you been given any dietary restrictions?

Mark

[SeaRay]

Thanks Mark.
The small bowel obstruction seems to be caused by a spasm of some kind and not a mechanical blockage. The Miralax is intended to keep things working regularly.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer. I will talk to the Ostomy nurse when she calls and see if she has any words of wisdom.

Ray

[markstan]

Thanks Mark.
The small bowel obstruction seems to be caused by a spasm of some kind and not a mechanical blockage. The Miralax is intended to keep things working regularly.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer. I will talk to the Ostomy nurse when she calls and see if she has any words of wisdom.

Ray

I am guessing that the GI Doc had no explanation for the spasms? That said, I am wondering why they did not prescribe anti-spasmotics. It not obvious to me why Miralax would provide benefit to the small intestine since it is filled with liquid. Let us know if the ostomy nurse provides any sensible guidance. You may also think about posting this topic to the general ostomy forum because that is where the people with ileos hang out and since you have a small bowel problem they are much more likely to respond with relevant info.

Mark

[steiconi]

I get bowel obstructions from the scar tissue where my ileo was 10 years ago. Irrigation hasn't helped clear them so far.
I find vomiting most effective; it puts pressure on the system and blows out the blockage.