The benefits of sticking to a TAI routine
Consistently emptying the bowel using transanal irrigation (TAI) in line with the prescribed treatment can often help individuals with bowel dysfunction re-establish a high degree of control over bowel function. This can help develop a predictable bowel routine where you choose the time and place for an irrigation.
For those who experience fecal incontinence, emptying the colon and rectum with TAI means that new feces does not reach the rectum for an average of two days. This means that continence can be achieved for that period of time. Those who live with severe constipation find that routinely irrigating the bowel and evacuating stool helps accelerate the movement of stool through the entire colon. These benefits are best achieved when TAI is used routinely.
If you are living with bowel dysfunction, you may need additional interventions to help manage your bowel, like abdominal massage, stretching and twisting, or digital rectal stimulation to help initiate a bowel movement. The need for these time consuming, and not always easy intervention strategies may also gradually decrease as an effective TAI routine is established. You should always discuss changes to your treatment with your healthcare provider.
What can I do to make my TAI routine work for me?
It’s not always easy to stick to a TAI routine. It may take a little time before you find a reliable and effective routine that is right for you, and that is normal. Keep trying, and remember that in the long run, TAI is more effective that conservative bowel management methods.
Here are some tips to make sure your TAI routine works for you!
Tip 1: Make sure you are using the irrigation checklist so you can ensure you have everything ready before you begin. Download the irrigation checklist. If your irrigation goes smoothly, you will be more motivated to do it again. It will become easier to make your TAI routine a natural habit and you will be more likely to see the benefits!
Tip 2: Get used to doing your irrigation at a time that works best for you. Emptying takes an average of 30 minutes, plus some time for preparation and clean up, so choose a time when you will not be rushed. Sticking to the same time for each irrigation will also make it easier to turn your TAI routine into a habit. With experience, you will also better predict how much time you need.
Tip 3: A good time to irrigate is 20-30 minutes after a meal, which takes advantage of the natural gastrocolic response that comes after eating. Put simply, the bowel is working harder to move stool through the colon, so performing TAI at this time may have better results.
Tip 4: Talk to your healthcare provider if you are having any difficulties. They can help you adjust your TAI routine for better results.
Coloplast Care Advisors are also available for product questions and lifestyle support, so reach out if you have any concerns about building a successful TAI routine by calling 1-855-605-7594 or emailing peristeen@coloplast.com.
