About the Ostomy Community
Popular Forum Topics
What's the best way of telling someone you have an ostomy?
Hi there, I need some advice please...I've been going to my local nightclub for 5 years, I guy who's also gone there all that time (and longer apparently) is suddenly showing an interest in me. He's very shy, quiet and hardly talks to anyone but his close mate, they're both bachelors, it was my new 'hairdo' (my wig since hair loss due to low dose chemo for my crohn's) that did it, they were lightheartedly arguing whether it was me or not! I started chatting to the quiet guy, I've only ever said ...
Views: 1129 Replies: 12
Ostomy diet
Is there such a thing as an ostomy diet? I am barely getting any output from my colostomy in at least a month, and I have absolutely no appetite. Last year I was in hospital with what they thought was a partial small bowel obstruction. My "diet" has been small amount of baby oatmeal and some coffee at breakfast: maybe cup of soup for lunch. Small amount of yogurt, jars of baby fruit. I tried to eat small amounts of well-cooked green beans with the carrots today. I've tried to dri...
Views: 512 Replies: 10
Is it possible to be regular with an ostomy?
Hello Everyone! Is it possible to become regular with an ostomy? My dr told me to drink Citrucel everynight to become regular. I find its all day long, Is it possible to train your colon?
Views: 727 Replies: 11
Recycling ostomy bags???
Has anyone ever heard of cleaning ostomy bags after use? I am all for recycling, but I am also concerned about the health risks.
Views: 904 Replies: 15
Disposing of an ostomy bag at a friend's house
I have an ileostomy and i like to use closed end pouches and change them twice a day. I can carry an Ostaway Bag (black, thick, zip-lock) with me and keep a fresh closed end ostomy bag with me in my pocket. Often when I am at someone's house i need to dispose of one bag and put on a fresh one. I really prefer using the closed-ended pouches and i know there isn't any smell if they are put inside the black, thick, Ostaway Zip-Lock Bag. My question is; do you think it is o.k. to throw this in s...
Views: 1273 Replies: 9
Naming my ostomy
I never thought of naming my stoma. I guess by now I would have to call it "old timer" as I have had it for 40 years now.....
Views: 575 Replies: 6
COLOSTOMY IRRIGATION
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Note: Only a colostomy can be irrigated. You cannot irrigate an ileostomy. Children do not irrigate.
Colostomy irrigation is a procedure that allows more control over the elimination of body waste because it stimulates the intestine to function at a regular time. The reason for regulating the bowel is for the ostomate's comfort and convenience. If irrigation is not accomplishing regulation or is making you more uncomfortable you should not be doing it. Irrigation is usually done at the same time every day or every other day. If you irrigate, you may need only a cover or pad over your stoma between irrigations and may not need an ostomy pouch.
Irrigating is not for everyone. Your colostomy must be in the descending or sigmoid colon. If your colostomy is in the ascending or transverse colon, the stool will be watery (ileostomy) and you won't be able to regulate it.
To irrigate your colostomy, you need to have the following equipment and supplies:
- Lubricant.
- An irrigation set, which includes a container for water, tubing with a cone end (one end of the tubing attaches to the container and the cone end is inserted into the stoma), and a clamp.
- No more than 1000 cc of tepid water.
- An irrigating sleeve and belt. (The sleeve is a long, clear plastic bag, open at the top and bottom. It snaps onto the barrier.)
- Toilet tissue.
- A toilet to dispose of waste.
In this procedure, an irrigation cone and tube are connected to the stoma (the end of the exposed intestine), and irrigation fluid is flushed through the intestine to clear it of waste.
Irrigation requires a health professional's approval and guidance.
Disclaimer: The text presented on these pages is for your information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.