Struggling with Irrigation Due to Hernias - Advice Needed

I'm having problems irrigating for afew weeks now. Can't get the colon cleaned out all the way, i put more water, less water.  I think i'm finished, about 2hrs later have more coming out, very fustrating!  I do have three hernias, i think that is the problem.  I never had this before, i'd irrigate and i'm good for over 24hrs. Does anyone have this problem, if so is there anything different i can do? I might call a ostomy nurse for an appt to see what they have to say. My surgeon won't take the hernias out, i'm at a high risk for reversal or hernia surgery.

Please help if anyone has any suggestions. Thank you so much!!!  

Donna

donna, a hernia complicates things, but i have one and still irrigate with good success.  you may have to adapt your methods... if you would like to contact me i could give you a few tips that mite be to long to post here. are you fasting before irrigation or early morning?? sometimes i must gently press in on the hernia to get everything back in place to get the water in or to ease its exit. after you are finished, then EAT a snack or lite meal...this sometimes helps any left behinds to evacuate. sometimes i must  lift one leg to get the water in....try things of that nature and DONT GIVE UP. if you "stay the course" and work out what works for your circumstance, you can still irrigate . good luck. keep me posted. my regards. mmsh

Hi Donna - don't give up hope!  My methods are about the exact opposite of MMSH - I always eat a good breakfast before irrigating and drink a hot drink (tea) while I'm infusing the water.  I eat a lot of fibrous foods so I have to irrigate every day.  I've been irrigating since June 2009 and sometimes I have the slow-movers show up later in the day, that's why I wear a Hollister mini-pouch.  I also have a hernia right at the stoma, and sometimes I need to massage it a bit (also because I'm impatient and want to get it over with!!!)  As far as the amount of water, people infuse anywhere from 500 cc to 1500cc depending on the condition of their remaining colon.  Your WOCN should help you with that.



Be sure to stay away from extremely fibrous foods like fresh pineapple, celery, anything stringy like that can cause a big time blockage.  Take it from me - the blockhead - I tried pineapple again the other day and it was bad news!  (I just don't like canned pineapple!)  

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One last word - it helps to RELAX during the letting down phase.  Read pleasant books or magazines, listen to calming music, etc.