Remember to always start with a comprehensive evaluation and training by a qualified healthcare professional prior to your first irrigation with Peristeen Plus. When it comes to the irrigation, always follow the instructions for use as well as any directions from your healthcare provider. Here are some additional tips to get you started.
When starting out on their Peristeen Plus journey, users may struggle with the set-up, clean-up or having the right amount of water pumped each time1. Establishing and following a consistent routine will help achieve a better evacuation.
Remember that you should always follow the instructions for use provided with the product and directions from your healthcare professional. Use this guide as supporting reference to help you to a better bowel management routine.
Before: preparing for your irrigation with Peristeen Plus
Preparation is key to achieving desired outcome.
Sarah, US – born with spina bifida: “I remember when I first got Peristeen I thought straight away I needed to get organized. One of the first things I did was get a cart – I call it my poop train – so I can just wheel it into the bathroom and I have everything I need right there.”
Sarah is a Peristeen with balloon catheter user (who received compensation from Coloplast to provide this information). Sarah has not used the new Peristeen® Plus Transanal
Irrigation system.
Strive for privacy
Make sure that you can get access to a private bathroom and allow for plenty of time to empty your bowels without interruptions. If used properly, you should expect the irrigation to take approximately 30-45 minutes to complete.
Take your time preparing
It can be a little daunting to start an irrigation, especially if you are new to Peristeen Plus. Take your time to prepare and set up the products as well as any accessories you might need in your bathroom. Make sure you have everything on hand before you begin.
Accessories can be helpful
Keep a plastic bag or paper plate on hand. It can be useful for disposing of used catheters, gloves and wipes. Using scented black plastic bags is very convenient – they are discreet and won’t smell in the bin.
Minimize clean-up
Bowel irrigation can be messy. To help with clean up, consider laying paper towels around the base of yout toilet.
During: tips during your next irrigation with Peristeen Plus
Everyone is different. Succeeding with Peristeen Plus is about developing a system that works for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment or make small tweaks to your routine - practice really does make perfect.
Keep your legs elevated
Consider elevating your legs with a footstool – the squat position can help bowel evacuation. Make sure you’re sitting comfortably – some users place a cushion at their back.
Consider to kickstarting evacuation
Some users find that it helps to gently twist their upper body several timesat the end of the irrigation. Gently massaging your stomach clockwise can also help make sure your bowels are properly emptied.
Temperature matters
Always use clean, lukewarm tap water with a temperature of 34-40°C. Check that water is not too cold or too hotby checking the temperature indicator on the front of the waterbag. The colour should be green for the water to be correct temperature.
Keep your tools nearby
Have your Peristeen Plus system as well as accessories (if needed) ready. Optimize the placement of the kit so it fits your bathroom layout. Keep any other supplies nearby and avoid having to reach out for things when you are sitting on the toilet.
Make sure there is a flat surface nearby
It is a good idea to have flat surfaces within reach, if you need to place anything while irrigating. It can also be helpful to have a hook nearby for a your wastebag.
After: when your irrigation is done
Tara, 51, UK – spina bifida: “After irrigation, I use a mirror to check the color of the water dripping from my rectum. If it’s clear, I know I’m empty and I’ve had a successful irrigation. If not, there might be more, so I wait a while, stretch my arms and massage my stomach.”
Tara is a Peristeen with balloon catheter user (who received compensation from Coloplast to provide this information). Tara has not used the new Peristeen® Plus Transanal Irrigation system.
Take care of your Peristeen Plus system
After your bowel irrigation procedure, it is important that you rinse, clean and dry your Peristeen Plus system.
Read more about how to take good care of your system here (link to article about cleaning).
Store your kit in a convenient place
Make sure you keep your Peristeen Plus kit – including any additional supplies you may need for procedure and clean-up – in a secure, convenient place in the bathroom, so it is easier for you to start your irrigation next time.
Take a shower after
Taking a shower after using Peristeen Plus, can help ease any concerns about personal hygiene.
