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 while you are irrigating and can make your irrigation easier for you.
Use an irrigation checklist
You can print this checklist and stick it on the back of your bathroom door. Using this irrigation checklist daily when you perform TAI will help to give you peace of mind in the bathroom and help you to develop a good TAI routine.
Once you have built good TAI habits, you may no longer need to tick off the points before you start an irrigation, but if you are ever in an unfamiliar setting or find yourself more stressed, return to this resource to structure your process.
Tips for preparing your irrigation
Preparation is key to achieve success with transanal (TAI) 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 on 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 downtime before you see results. Don’t let this time go to waste, have something with you to occupy yourself with while your bowels do their thing. Perhaps have a magazine or book with you to help distract yourself.
Coloplast Care is here to support you
If you are concerned about your product and irrigations, or would like to further discuss your TAI routine, reach out to our Care advisors at 1-866-293-6349, Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm ET. They will be happy to assist you with any product issues that you may be having and offer further practical advice on how to use your products in your home.
