Socializing tips for Peristeen® Plus users
Whether it’s a meal out with a partner, going on vacation or just visiting friends, we believe nothing should stop you from going out and having a good time. Read on to learn some helpful tips to make sure your next social activity is a success and get some practical advice from Peristeen users.
Consider building your support network
Having a trusted friend or relative who is aware of your situation can help. If you would like someone to accompany you on your first few trips, be sure they are aware of your medical needs. Before deciding to share your situation with others, consider reflecting on the following questions:
- Why do I want to share my situation?
- Who do I want to tell?
- When do I want to tell them?
- Do I want anyone with me when I tell them?
It can also help to prepare in advance by writing down what you want to say, and trying to anticipate some of the questions you might be asked.
Build your confidence by setting small goals initially
Start relatively close to home and only stay out for a short period of time. Then ease into things like using a public restroom for the first time or visiting a relative for several hours. It can be helpful to start with a relative or friend who already knows about your situation.
Prepare before going out
Consider using your Peristeen Plus system before you go out, and wear dark colors if you’re worried about leakage. Bring extra clothing, wipes and bag, and identify the nearest restroom at your destination.
Pack accordingly for longer trips
Going away for longer than a day or two is possible with the Peristeen Plus system, but preparation is key. We have developed a travel fact sheet with tips and advice that can help.
Remember you are not alone
Meeting others in your situation can help. You can learn from their experience and also gain reassurance from knowing others who have succeeded with Peristeen Plus and are able to participate in the social activities they love. Consider searching for patient organizations in your area through social media or reach out to local patient support or community organizations.
Bob, spinal cord injury, US, “I always plan my irrigations around my social schedule. It helps because then I know I have a 48-hour window where I don't have to worry about my bowel.”*
Becky, spinal cord injury, US, “There’s a lot more than the four walls of your home. You’ve got to push yourself, don’t give up. Baby steps are OK. Going to the mall is one thing, going to Mexico to scuba dive is another thing.”*
Sarah, spina bifida, US, “You don't need to tell everyone about your bowel issues but it's a good idea to have a small support network of people who can be there for you.”*
Information from Coloplast® Care is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice and should not be interpreted to contain treatment recommendations. You should rely on the healthcare professional who knows your individual history for personal medical advice and diagnosis. Prior to use refer to product labeling for complete product instructions for use, contraindications, warnings and precautions.
Indication: The Peristeen® Plus Transanal Irrigation System is intended to instill water into the colon through a rectal catheter, which incorporates an inflatable balloon, inserted into the rectum to promote evacuation of the contents of the lower colon. The Peristeen Plus Transanal Irrigation System is indicated for use by children (2 years - <12 years old), adolescent (12 years - < 18 years old), transitional adolescent (18 - <21 years old) and adult patients with neurogenic bowel dysfunction who suffer from fecal incontinence, chronic constipation, and/or time-consuming bowel management procedures.
Contraindications: Peristeen Plus Transanal Irrigation must not be used in the following situations: known anal or colorectal stenosis, colorectal cancer (active/recurrent), radiotherapy to the pelvis, and recent abdomino-perineal surgery, active inflammatory bowel disease, acute diverticulitis, severe diverticulitis, previous diverticulitis and diverticular abscess, chronic symptomatic diverticular disease, within 3 months of abdominal, anal or colorectal surgery, within 4 weeks of endoscopic polypectomy, recent colonic biopsy, recent endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and recent endoscopic sub-mucosal dissection (ESD), severe autonomic dysreflexia, ischemic colitis, during Spinal Cord Shock Phase, complex diverticular disease, in patients who are pregnant and have not used the system before*. Since the list is not exhaustive, the healthcare professional should always consider individual patient factors as well. *If the patient is pregnant and has never used transanal irrigation before, they should not start the irrigation procedure during pregnancy.
Warnings: Peristeen Plus Transanal irrigation procedure should always be carried out with caution. Bowel perforation is an extremely rare, but serious and potentially lethal, complication to transanal irrigation and will require immediate admission to a hospital, often requiring surgery. See the device manual for complete user instructions, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and potential complications/adverse events. For further information, call Coloplast Corp at 1-855-605-7594 or consult the company website at www.coloplast.us. Caution: Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.
*Coloplast has compensated these users to share their product experiences. Each person's situation is unique so your experience may not be the same. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether this product is right for you.
