Shortly after birth, Joel was diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s disease. This condition affects the large intestine and causes problems with passing stool. At 1 month of age, Joel had a stoma created and after recovering, Joel and his family adjusted well to life with the stoma. As Joel developed, the family were offered the option for Joel to have a reversal surgery. The surgery itself was successful, however it became apparent later that Joel needed some additional help to go to the bathroom. Different adjunct treatments were offered, but eventually, transanal irrigation (TAI) was introduced as Joel’s way forward. Now at the age of 7, Joel lives an active life alongside his sister and can participate in sports just like his peers.
Joel’s introduction to TAI
Following the reversal of Joel’s stoma, he often found himself experiencing harsh abdominal pain and constipation, and it was necessary to return to the hospital. His constipation was serious enough at this point that emergency irrigation was required.
Joel and Joel’s mother, Theresa, remained in the hospital for one week. During this stay, they were introduced to TAI. Theresa was instructed on how to conduct an irrigation for Joel and what was needed. In the first week, they were taught how to flush, how much water to add, and agreed on a fixed time of day to carry out the irrigations. They were always conducted at 3pm.
Theresa admits it was not an easy ride, and she found it challenging to perform the irrigations with Joel at home alone. A nursing service was organised for the family to support in the first few months.
TAI: the daily routine
Now, Joel’s irrigations usually take place in the evening. The family has got used to this routine and as TAI is performed in the evening, Joel is able to carry on with his day as normal. Having a set time is valuable for Joel and his mum and they are seeing good results.
“It definitely makes our life easier” – Tom, Joel’s Dad
A normal day in Joel’s household is something we can all relate to. Theresa is the first to get up in the morning, then prepares the food, wakes the children and gets them ready. Joel is able to attend nursery school just like any other child. After he is done for the day and back home, Theresa uses this time for his irrigation.
“Over time, irrigating just becomes automatic and at some point, it will become completely normal.” – Tom, Joel’s Dad
TAI: planning around Joel’s schedule
Theresa notes that it is always important to be attentive to Joel’s schedule and plan ahead. Theresa and Tom have to consider when it is best to carry out Joel’s irrigation. Sometimes, they may have errands to run for example; meaning they their regular time of 3pm has to be postponed to the evening when they get home instead.
Getting the optimal results
Irrigations were not always easy with Joel. Theresa experienced some difficultly pumping the full amount of water prescribed and was worried about how to proceed. This is where Coloplast Care came in. Only a phone call away, Joel’s personal care advisor was able to discuss the issue with Theresa and suggested a solution that worked.
“Coloplast Care definitely makes life easier, you don’t have to worry so much when problems arise. You just call and they will help you directly. You get a definite sense of security.” – Tom, Joel’s Dad
As with all plans with children, you have to be flexible and ready to make adjustments. Once Joel started nursery, the 3pm irrigation began to interfere with his social life as he couldn’t go straight out to play with his friends after nursey finished. It was therefore time for the family to say ‘stop - perhaps it is time to re-evaluate this TAI routine.’
Travelling and TAI
TAI allows children with bowel issues to have more control over their bowel and they can become more confident in their continence. Peristeen Plus is suitable for children above the age of 3 years of age [Localise depending on local age limit (2 in US, 3 in EU)]. For Joel, he was even able to travel to Egypt and enjoy a family holiday.
Tom offers some simple tips for making your holiday planning as stress-free as possible when you will be travelling with a child who uses Peristeen Plus:
“I would definitely check before going on holiday whether I had enough catheters, and find out whether you can use the water in the holiday destination.” – Tom, Joel’s Dad
The future is bright
Joel has established a solid TAI routine and as a result, he is able to start school with confidence and his family have less worry about his bowel issues. The family is grateful for TAI, and it has helped to restore a sense of normality to their daily lives.
“We don’t have to worry so much about Joel’s bowel condition now, because by having this regularity the body has already got used to it and when he gets up in the morning until we do it in the evening, he is a completely normal child” – Tom, Joel’s Dad
