Hi Rain,

Irrigation is basically a process of giving yourself an enema.  This empties the colon which provides a varying amount of time free from any discharge of feces.  For me that generally means two days.   I wear what is called a stoma cap to provide control of the gas and a small amount of mucus discharge.  To be able to successful irrigate you generally should have most of your colon intact.   If you do and can put up with the process of irrigating it can greatly improve the quality of life as you no longer have to deal with “the bag”

If your friend is interested, generally the first step should be to contact your ET nurse.   This should be one that is supportive of the concept of irrigation, not all are.  You will also need the support of your surgeon who will write prescriptions for the needed supplies.  If they are not comfortable with the idea then if is a bit more difficult but still doable.

A website which will give you much more information and great support can be found at the UOAA forum:

http://www.uoaa.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=12

Here we discuss the processes, successes and challenges of irrigating and life with a colostomy (kinda like here but much more active).

Your friend should know that ostomates can live a normal life with just a few extra challenges.  A key to that is state of mind and reading about and discussing on line with other ostomates can make a huge difference and give you more skills to cope.  What can also help is to locate a local support group if one exists.

Good luck and thank you.

Michael