You can make your transanal irrigation (TAI) routine run more smoothly by taking a minute to prepare yourself beforehand. Making sure you have everything you are going to need before you start, and ensuring you are relaxed helps to avoid stress whilst you are irrigating and can make your irrigation easier for you.
Use an irrigation checklist
Tips for preparing your irrigation
Preparation is key to achieve success with transanal irrigation. Follow these tips and tricks below to help make your irrigation a success.
Think about privacy
Privacy is important when you want to irrigate your bowel. You want to make sure you have plenty of time to empty your bowel without interruption from others. Emptying time is individual, but on average it takes 30 minutes. You should also consider the time it takes for you to prepare and clear up afterwards.
Think about what you will physically need
Alongside your transanal irrigation system, there are additional things you may want with you. For example, some people like to use gloves, and some like to have a glass in which to lubricate the catheter before use. Think about what will make the process less troublesome for you, and make sure you have these things to hand before you begin.
Think about the clean-up
TAI can be messy at times, so the better equipped you are to deal with this, the less hassle you may have. Have some additional paper towels with you, along with hand sanitizer and a plastic bag to dispose of the catheter, gloves, and any wipes you have used.
Make the most of your time on the toilet
Once you have set up your irrigation, there may be some dead time before you see results. Don’t let this time go to waste, have something with you to occupy yourself with whilst your bowels do their thing. Perhaps have a magazine or book with you to help distract yourself, or use the time to maintain your streak on Duolingo.
Coloplast Care is here to support you
If you are concerned about your irrigations, or would like to further discuss your TAI routine, reach out to our Care advisors on (phone) (time, day). They will be happy to assist you with any problems you may be having and offer further practical advice on how to use your products in your home.
