Ask your care provider any questions you have about using your irrigation system. Don’t be afraid to ask for a repeat demonstration, such as, “Could you please show me how to do this again next week so that I know I’m doing it right?” If at any point you experience difficulties irrigating at home, see your doctor or nurse for help.
The ostomy belt and irrigation bag should last for several years. Replace the ostomy bag every 1-2 months or when it develops an odor. You can continue to use the brand that you initially left the hospital with, or you can switch brands. It’s a matter of personal preference. [3] X Research source
Space out your irrigations as far apart as you’re comfortable, but if you experience leakage, try irrigating more frequently. For instance, if you irrigate every other day and experience leakage, try irrigating daily. It takes about an hour to do a full irrigation. Set aside a specific time each day to irrigate—this will help you remember to do it, and will help your body to learn its elimination timing. [5] X Research source Lippincott’s Nursing Procedures. Fifth ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009. 700-02. Print. Once this pattern is established, you may not have to wear the colostomy pouch anymore. Instead, you will use a stoma plug, cap, or mini-pouch. Talk to your doctor about this.
Hang your irrigation bag however you can. Try using a clothes hanger clipped on the corner of a bathroom mirror. Or, consider installing a more permanent fixture for everyday use. When you attach your belt to your body, your stoma should be in the center of the irrigation sleeve’s ring. Many ostomy nurses suggest using 500 milliliters (16. 9 fl oz) of lukewarm water for the first several irrigations. You can use more or less depending on what your doctor or nurse recommends.
Keep the end of the sleeve clipped while you position yourself. If you’re standing, let the whole device rest on the floor. If you’re sitting, keep your appliances hanging. If desired, put on rubber or latex gloves. This can help you stay clean while you get comfortable with your new equipment.
The tip should fit snugly so that the amount of leakage is minimized during the irrigation process. Your stoma may react to being touched by clenching up. If this happens, sit calmly for a few moments, take some deep breaths, and try again. [9] X Research source
This process should take about 5-10 minutes.
You will start to expel water and waste shortly after you insert the water into your stoma. This may happen in stages or all at one time.
Some people may only need to keep the sleeve on for up to 20 minutes. Be sure to clamp the sleeve before moving around to avoid spillage.
