Steps To Irrigate Your Colostomy

After undergoing colostomy surgery, you may think of controlling your bowel movements as a story of the past. However, you can irrigate your colostomy to regain significant control over when to empty your bowels. You can irrigate your colostomy by flushing it with warm water every day or every other day. Equipment you will need to irrigate your colostomy may include an irrigation kit, water-soluble lubricant, and a hook. You can get specific instructions from an ostomy care nurse to learn the proper way to irrigate your colostomy.

In this article, we will discuss the steps involved in colostomy irrigation.

Filling the bag

First, you have to close the tubing attached to the irrigation bag. Then, fill the bag with one quart of water. Make sure that water is lukewarm. Avoid using cold water as it can result in cramping.

After filling the bag, hang it on the hook above the toilet. It is ideal to keep the bottom of the bag at your shoulder level when sitting. Hold the tubing and open the clamp slightly to run some water. It will remove air from the tubing. Once you see water coming out, close the clamp.

Putting on the sleeve

Remove the ostomy pouch or cap from your stoma. Clean the peristomal skin with warm water and pat it dry using a piece of a soft cloth. Now, sit on or next to the toilet. Place the round opening of the sleeve around the stoma and press on the adhesive. It will attach the sleeve to the peristomal skin. You can also connect the mounting ring and secure it using the belt. Now, put the other end of the sleeve over the toilet.

Inserting the cone

Attach the cone to the end of the tubing and apply a small amount of lubricant to the tip of the cone. Put the cone into the stoma and press it a bit. Hold the cone in place and open the clamp on the tubing slightly to allow water to flow slowly into the stoma. Let the water flow for five to ten minutes, and then close the clamp.

Removing the cone and clamping the sleeve

Keep the cone in place for 60 seconds and then remove it. Seal the top of the sleeve. The instilled water will promote bowel movement, making stool and water flow out of the stoma. Allow wastes to flow through the sleeve. It will take 15 to 20 minutes. After that, you can clamp the sleeve and get up. Clean the peristomal skin and cover your stoma with an ostomy pouch or a stoma cap.

Cleaning the cone and the sleeve

Rinse and clean both the cone and sleeve with water. You can also mix one part white vinegar with three parts lukewarm water. Pouring it into the sleeve will promote a better cleaning of your sleeve. Close the sleeve from one end to contain water in it. Shake it until the interior of the sleeve is clean. Hang it to let it dry.

Tips To Live With An Ostomy

Although adapting to a life with an ostomy seems challenging to most ostomates, it is just a matter of time that you will be able to return to your previous routine. You can go to work, play sports, and socialize with your friends and family a few weeks after ostomy surgery.

In this article, we will discuss some tips to live to the fullest with an ostomy.

Medicine

Since most medicines absorb in the small intestine, your ability to absorb them will depend on your functioning intestinal tract length. You may not be able to absorb coated pills and time-release medicines as they will pass out through the stoma pretty quickly. The best way to get all your medicines absorbed is to have them in liquid form. You can discuss the type of ostomy you have with your healthcare professional. He or she will recommend the best form of medicine and suggest the correct dosage.

Diet

Right after surgery, you will not be able to take solid foods. Initially, you will need to have a liquid diet to avoid putting stress on your intestinal tract while it is in a vulnerable state. You can move to solid foods gradually as your bowel recovers. After six to eight weeks, you will be able to have your favorite diet. You may have to commit to a specific diet routine, though.

Generally, you will have to drink plenty of water if you have an ostomy. It also depends on the length of the functional intestinal tract in your abdomen. If you have the entire colon removed, you may not be able to absorb a significant amount of moisture and a high content of minerals and electrolytes in the digested foods. So, you may have to drink plenty of water and get an optimum supply of other minerals and electrolytes to make up for the loss of those fluids and electrolytes. You can also consider taking some supplements, but be sure to discuss it with your doctor first.

Work

You will be able to continue working on your present job unless it requires you to lift heavy objects. You can speak to your doctor about your occupational limitations.

Clothing

The good thing about present-day ostomy pouches is that they have a flat profile, which makes them easy to conceal under the clothes. Even if you wear some fitting clothes, you will be able to keep your ostomy pouches most of the time. You can discuss this matter with an ostomy care nurse.

Travel

Whether you want to hit the road or fly to a distant location, your ostomy will not bother you if you take some necessary measures. For instance, your first concern will be to have enough supplies while you are away. That is why it is crucial to buy all those supplies beforehand and pack them in your carry-on luggage. Make sure to have some supplies ready to deal with unanticipated circumstances during the travel.

Sports and exercises

While you may not be able to lift heavy objects and engage in intense physical activities, you will get there in some weeks after surgery. You can discuss your physical activity regimen with your healthcare provider to know the exact amount of physical exertion you can engage in every day.