Colostomy irrigation using a Braun Irypump

Hi Mans,

I have only ever used the Braun Irypump, so can't compare it to anything. I've been using it for about 3 years now, and wouldn't be without it. The pump itself does have a wee bit of weight to it, but I don't think it makes travelling with it prohibitive. I irrigate every day, and charge the pump once a week. I use tap water - my stoma nurse said the rule of thumb on the water temperature was that it should be warm enough to bathe a baby in. The pump can be controlled for water pressure, it can go from a very low pressure to a good force. It comes with it's own carry case so you can take it away with you quite easily. 

Hope this is of help.

Linda :-)

Hi Linda,

Thank you for your reply with all your info, I was very pleased to hear from you.

It seems that not so many people do irrigate as there are seldom any letters about it on this site. Or it is so trouble free?

My concern is that it might rupture the bowel with the pressure of the water, but you tell me that the pump can be turned down very low so that is unlikely to happen. I currently use a reservoir hung at about 3 feet above my shoulder and guessing that exerts quite a pressure anyway. What setting on the pump do you use? Sometimes it is a problem in a hotel to find a place to hang the reservoir. Do you put the pump on the floor normally or at least when you are in a hotel?

Really appreciate your experience of this pump. Was horrified to find out that it costs £500+ not that we have to pay!

Best Wishes

Pauline

Hi, I have had the iry for 3 weeks, I can tell you honestly it has given me my life back,  It's taken all the stress away,  I had rectal cancer 16 months ago, stoma reversal 9 months. Ago, it’s honesly been hell, , tried the persisteen unit,  did not help much, I was nervous to leave the house,, now the world is my oyster,  everyone says I look like my old self, 

i hope this helps, regards.

How much did the Irypump cost. 

Hi, I get it on the nhs, which is free ,   a friend bought it in Spain it was. About 700e , 

it really has changed my life!  Good luck, 

I’d absolutely agree that the freedom the IryPump gives you is life changing although I can’t compare it to other methods.  I’ve used it since about 4 months after my op, so coming up for 2 years.  I can usually go 48 hours between uses which makes a world of difference.  As far as travelling goes, so far I’ve only used it when we’ve gone away by car, although the first major holiday we had post op was to India, so I’d didn’t feel comfortable using it there, and therefore the weight on the unit hasn’t really been an issue.  I don’t think it’s too bad anyway and it comes with a good travel bag.  But I’m just (today!) about to take the pump on a California/Nevada road trip so I’ll let you know how I get on!

This is so frustrating I live in The US and am not able to buy an irypump as they have not been FDA approved. My husband had colorectal cancer and had his eliostomy reversed 2 months ago and he is so depressed and scared to leave the house because of the incontinence issues. He just wants his life back and the ability to go back to work. We have tried colonics enemas and nothing is working. The Irypump sounds amazing but how the heck do I get one. If anyone has any suggestions please I am so worried about my husbands mental well being. 

Caddie do you live in the USA or over in the UK how did you get the Irypump 

I really sympathise, I have forwarded your email to a friend who works for Braun to see if there is a solution, I hope it will help,xx

Hartlett, I live in the UK and got my pump on the NHS like Kiki.  It must be so hard on you knowing there could be something that might help your husband and not being able to try it. I do hope that Braun might be able to find a solution.