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Post by wendy on Sept 12, 2003 6:13:08 GMT -5
I have had a colostomy since 1985 and have irrigated for the majority of this time. Recently I am experiencing problems getting the water into the stoma. The muscle seems to react and stops the entry of the water, even though I can get the tip of the cone into the stoma. I have spoken to the stoma nurses who unfortunately have not had much experience with irrigation and are unable to help. Any suggestions?
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Post by Jason_D on Sept 12, 2003 6:30:14 GMT -5
Hi There, I myself dont irrigate, but to me it does sound like a bowel spasm. In which case, you might want to see the Doctor, explain the situation and ask him if a drug such as Buscopan would help. Its a drug that gently prevents bowel spasms and relaxes the bowel. Its a small tablet. One a day would prolly sort the problem and if you irrigate on specific days you may only need take them on that day say two hours befor eu irrigate or something. Another idea is to contact the Customer Support line of the company's who's irrigation equipment you use - explain the situation and see what they say, they will know how to get best results form their products for sure, and no doubt you wont be the first with that problem. Hope that helps. If anyone else has ideas im sure they'll post it too. Buh bye now,
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Post by chitchat on Sept 24, 2003 16:34:15 GMT -5
I have had a colostomy, and irrigated, since 1993. Originally it worked perfectly, but after about 2 years, it became more difficult to get it to take water. I have asked my doctors, nurses, etc. and never even received any suggestions worth repeating. Finally, I used the lubricant liberally, and reduced the flow of water to a dribble. After a few moments the flow would would start and I slowly increased the flow to speed up the process. The proper volume was achieved in 15 to 20 minutes. I hope this helps you as I understand the frustration that results.
Regarding the "noises". I make a "shield" about the size of a mini-pouch out of a half-gallon, plastic milk container. I then punch two holes in the shield and use a ostomy belt to hold the shield firmly in place over the bag. The shield protects the bag from coming loose, punctures, pets, etc. The pressure of the shield over the colostomy prevents the sounds almost completely.
The colostomy bothered me at first and I made the same complaints that I read here. I now go everywhere with confidence and actually have as much freedom as ever. I now irrigate every third day. No guarantees of course, but stay flexible and don't let it get to you.
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Post by wendy on Sept 25, 2003 9:22:22 GMT -5
I would like to thank you for the replies I received regarding the problems with irrigation. One of the suggestions was to lay flat, I have found that by lying on the floor whilst the water goes into the stoma works brilliantly. Before lying down I attach the sleeve and use the clip on the bottom of the sleeve whilst in this position, once the water has gone into the stoma, (which only takes a matter of minutes) I then sit on the loo as usual and let the process happen. I find that by doing this I only have to irrigate every other day - what a bonus!!. Thank you once again Wendy
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