@veganostomy While I don’t irrigate regularly, it is a godsend when I do. Yes, it takes time - for me, it takes a couple of hours just to be sure I don’t have any “late returns “ but I think if I did it more regularly, it would take less time as I became more efficient. I only irrigate when I need a stretch of time free from interruption. So if I am going to dinner and theatre, I don’t want to be constantly heading to the loo. When I irrigate, I can generally count on 36 hours free from output, sometimes more. I know that lots of colostomates irrigate daily, but it isn’t a need for me. 

It isn’t a difficult process at all, however, it takes some practice. I would be happy to walk anyone through the process if they’re thinking of trying it. I even got Coloplast to send me the irrigation kit for free.

@tigerlily

Wow wee! I would love to be regular again, but am a little nervous about trying anything new. I never know when I am going to have output. Some days it's in the afternoon, others in the evening, and other times first thing in the morning, but mostly on and off all day. 

Stella

@sjlovestosing Yeah, I am pretty much the same. What I hear from people who irrigate regularly is that it trains your body to a schedule. I don’t irrigate enough to know if that is the case, but it’s nice to have some freedom when I do. If you’re interested in it, have a look at YouTube videos on the subject. They are really helpful. It seems daunting the first time, but it isn’t as complicated as you think. You might find that you like it.

Laurie

@tigerlily

Thank you, Laurie, I will do that!

Stella

Posted by: @tigerlily

What I hear from people who irrigate regularly is that it trains your body to a schedule.

I've also heard that! If I had a colostomy, I'd be all over doing irrigation! LOL 

hi all
I have had my colostomy for just over a year/i had a blockage or virus last sat/sun. on sat i start feeling weak and very tired.that night i started filling with liquid so full I thought bag would burst.i lost so much fluid i was dehydrated to the point i was getting severe leg/calf/inner thighs/both at same time all night til I was praying to die.Next day I went to emerg and had two more while waiting to be admitted/finally they put me on a drip to hydrate me and gave me all the tests.was released in the eavening.
cramps have gone away and finally can sleep.and am slowly getting stool back.thank god

gordon robillard...welcome to VO!  I'm glad to hear  you made it thru that bout of dehydration safely!  Being dehydrated to that extent can be dangerous. Please don't wait so long if there's a next time.  Not that you were trying to, but  nobody needs to prove they are tough when they already have an ostomy!! lol! 

Hello Gordon, I hope that you are feeling well by now - what an ordeal. I, too, am a colostomate who has occasional difficulties getting things moving through; for me it seems to be some (a few) foods.  My stoma is almost three years old and I finally feel that little Ruby and I have a good understanding - and of course will continue to monitor things. I was hospitalized two years ago feeling very terrible and had dehydration, I felt pretty awful until the iv drip took effect. Welcome to this group of nice people and Eric’s wonderful work. LL

Wow, Gordon, that must have been scary. I'm glad that you are doing better now.