irrigation problem

[jcpo1240]

I have irrigation to my stoma for last 16 yrs every day and was like 99% went thru ok. Recently last couple month was more than 50% of the time having trouble of getting stood out completely or very little. I didn't change my diet so that was not the problem. Sometime I took laxative few hours before irrigation then it came out easy. Now I am trying probiotic for three days now don't know if that can help! Did anyone have that kind of experience can help? Tks. Jack 10-04-20

[ot dave]

Hi Jack,
I've been irrigating for 10 years, and occasionally I go through periods where it is more difficult to have successful irrigation sessions. I have found in the past that sometimes if I sit in a different position and change the angle of the colon, that the water will go in and out a little easier. Weight changes can affect the angle of the colon, how you sit, etc. Sometimes a hernia will also cause issues with input and output during irrgations. As we age, digestion will change some too. Sounds like laxatives are helping, you might have to stick with that moving forward, but that is just a guess. Hope that helps.

David

[jcpo1240]

Tks. David for reply! I drink one big bottle of water 33oz from Costco before irrigation & then use sleeping water bag with catheter to pump water inside. Once stood coming out I drink more water to help it coming out and it was so successful. Now if I cannot get poop out then my stomach is full of water so it really bother me. Just curious how do you do your job? I am scheduled to see my doctor later on this month see what suggestion he has. I don't want to rely on laxatives worry once you use a lot that won't work anymore.

Tks. Jack 10-05-20

[Diane C]

I used to irrigate when I had a colostomy. I often found if I twisted to the left, that would help to get things moving and to continue the movement. Are you under stress? Have you increased the use of caffeine or gotten less (or more?) sleep? Those can affect the GI tract as well. I well remember having water "stuck" in my colon if irrigation wasn't complete and it was such an unpleasurable sensation, I couldn't focus until my colon absorbed the water or it finally came out so you have my sympathy. My surgeon and GI doctor had suggested irrigating with Miralax which is quite benign. You might want to try that. There's also a powder called CALM at some health food stores with magnesium in it that you can irrigate with -- also benign and the colon doesn't absorb it.

It does sound as though a trip to the doctor is warranted to determine the reason why irrigation isn't working.

And, btw, down below is a forum just for those who irrigate. If you post your comments there, you will probably receive more advice from those who irrigate regularly.

Good luck!

[steiconi]

You might want to read and ask on the UOAA irrigation forum at viewforum.php?f=12

You drink 33 ounces of water? That seems like a lot, a full liter. You must be sloshing!

I sometimes add a little unscented liquid glycerine soap (castille soap would also work, nothing scented!) to the irrigation water to help break up the stool.

As Diane said, moving can help compress and relax the intestines to get things moving. Turn to the left and bend seems to be most effective for me, too.

[jcpo1240]

Tks. Diane & Lee for reply! now I am using Enema squeeze in qtr. bottle & poop coming then I drink more water to pump out the rest. Don't know why couldn't pump out like before without extra help. How often you guys couldn't irrigated?

[jcpo1240]

Hi Diane can you teach me how to post this into other forum you mentioned for discussion? I tried but no success!

[Diane C]

Jack, I irrigated for years and had a unique irrigation system with a pump thanks to a creative pal -- but also had an additional kind of surgery. Because of various factors, irrigation was not an ultimate solution for me although I so wish it had been. The "Gators" below probably can help you. I don't think I'd add so meuch extra liquid when you have challenges expelling it but each to his or her own. Still think you might check with a doctor.

To post in the Irrigation Forum, just copy your initial post (you might edit and copy adding more details so others can help you) and start a new topic in this forum: viewforum.php?f=12 I'm unsure why you're having problems. Good luck!

[jcpo1240]

Tks. Diane!

[shethhh]

Dear all.
Hi I am Hitesh from India. I have registered just today. I had my colostomy surgery in May18. Since then I have been taking a powder called peglec which I have to take with 1 ltr of water twice a week. Due to my gastro history, I get output only when I drink this powder. I was given irrigation during my surgery but doctor has not advised me the same since then. In fact I was advised by my doctor to go for IPAA and remove my large intestine but I feel I am better off right now looking at issues and failure rates of a pouch surgery.
Not sure if it is a correct decision.
1. Can someone advise on his/her experiences of pouch surgery?
2. Can irrigation really help in colostomy?
3. Has anyone taken COVID vaccine? Are there any side effects to people with stoma?

[steiconi]

Dear all.
Hi I am Hitesh from India. I have registered just today. I had my colostomy surgery in May18. Since then I have been taking a powder called peglec which I have to take with 1 ltr of water twice a week. Due to my gastro history, I get output only when I drink this powder. I was given irrigation during my surgery but doctor has not advised me the same since then. In fact I was advised by my doctor to go for IPAA and remove my large intestine but I feel I am better off right now looking at issues and failure rates of a pouch surgery.
Not sure if it is a correct decision.
1. Can someone advise on his/her experiences of pouch surgery?
2. Can irrigation really help in colostomy?
3. Has anyone taken COVID vaccine? Are there any side effects to people with stoma?

Welcome to the forum!
I irrigate because it gives me back some control. I don't have to empty the pouch when I'm out running errands.
There's an irrigation forum here on uoaa at viewforum.php?f=12 with friendly, helpful 'gators.
You'll probably get more answers if you start your own new thread that includes all your questions