Effective Lower Bowel Cleansing Methods After Colostomy

My wife recently had a colostomy and is having mucous drainage from lowere bowel.  Is there a way to cleane the lower bowel such as enemas or such?

Hello waype. 

A good question, which comes up from time to time. You can find out about past comments in this regard if you look in the 'contents --collections --ostomy related complications - under rectal dsicharge'.   There are a couple of discussions on the subject fairly early in the list so you should not have to search very far.

I have put me own view forward which basically explains how I've made gadgets to irrigate the anus in much the same way that I IRRIGATE THE STOMA.

But others have used suppositories to good effect and I'm a firm believer in trying things to find what suits you best. 

Having a word with your stoma nurse might be a good place to start, rather than confronting a doctor who might not have the same practical knowlege and experience.  I was taught to anlly irigate by the incontinence nurses long before I had my stoma so it was a natural progression when I had problems with anal mucus.

I've never 'cured' mine but have learned to manage it and live with it satisfactorily and I hope you can do the same.   It does get better after time (long in my case) and there is always the option of having the anus removed if it becomes unbearable.

Best wishes

Bill