Tara, UK, Spina Bifida. “You can’t give up if it doesn’t work at first – it takes practice and perseverance. I can empty my bowel when I want, not when my bowel wants”.
Tarais 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.
There are many treatment options to help you manage your bowel. You may have tried one or more or even several at one time. At Coloplast, we have helped a lot of people find a better path to bowel control with Peristeen Plus. Experience has taught us that the first few weeks or months may be more challenging as you get used to a new treatment. Once you build the basics and establish a routine that works for you, Peristeen Plus can help you gain or regain control of your bowel.
All journeys to better bowel control are different
Regularly irrigating your bowels with water using Peristeen Plus is effective but it may take time for your bowels to adapt to a new treatment. No matter how far you are on your path to a better bowel, adjusting to Peristeen Plus is a journey that usually goes along the following three phases:
The Basics:
You've had your first product training with your clinician. Now remember that it may take time for your bowels to get used to Peristeen Plus, and your experience with your first few irrigations at home might vary. To make Peristeen Plus work for you consistently, you need to learn the basics and get familiar with setting up and using the product in your bathroom.
The following tips will help you get off to a good start:
- Getting to know how the product works
- Creating a ‘home’ for the product, as well as any accessories you need
- Making sure you have everything on hand before you begin
- Finding a quick and easy way to clean up
- Being able to identify the signs of a successful irrigation
Some people might find it more difficult to adjust to Peristeen Plus than others. It is important that you master the basic routine as quickly as possible. Remember to always check with your healthcare professional before making any changes to your prescribed irrigation protocol, and do not hesitate to reach out to your Coloplast® Care advisor if you need product support and guidance. Succeeding with Peristeen Plus is about developing a system that works for you. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you'll have the perfect foundation for building the routine that will ensure you get the most from the treatment every time.
The Routine:
Once the basics are in place, it’s important to establish a personal routine for your Peristeen Plus irrigations. Remember to follow instructions that have been provided to you by your clinician during the first product training. If you need any adjustments to the amount of water of frequency of irrigations, please reach out to your healthcare professional. In general, most users will establish a good routine after a few weeks but it may take up to 12 weeks.
It may be possible to adjust the following variables but be sure to always consult your healthcare professional before changing anything in your routine:
- Number of air pumps
- Amount of water
- Frequency of irrigation
- Time of day
- Diet
- Any medicines you take
Life with Peristeen Plus:
It may not happen overnight but once you’ve built good bowel management basics and established a personalized routine with Peristeen Plus, you will likely feel ready to tackle new goals. Whether it’s traveling, returning to work or starting a new hobby, it's a good idea to keep challenging yourself.
Don't forget to stick to the good habits you’ve established.
Let us help you succeed with Peristeen Plus
We’re here to help you succeed with Peristeen Plus. Don’t hesitate to contact Coloplast® Care at 1-855-605-7594 or peristeen@coloplast.com for more information and product related advice if needed. Our dedicated Peristeen Plus advisors have helped Peristeen Plus users so don’t hesitate to get in touch.
