I think for me the mental part of it wasn't so hard once I realized I just couldn't take things the way they were. Constantly worrying that I was going to cluster away from home, and even if I was home, going 10 -15 times in a couple of hours and being tied to the washroom was just wearing my down. I don't look forward to my morning enema, butt, I find it a great alternative to how things were. For 30 minutes I have to think BM...but for the other 23 .5 hours - I DON"T. That is what makes it so worthwhile. I make this amazing fresh fruit salsa, and I have not been able to eat any for 2 years...enjoyed it today with no issues....nice!
When we went to Jamaica, I took everything that I use at home. I had such a hard time finding my supplies here, I didn't want to take any chances that I couldn't find what I needed. I have my red bag, tubing, lube, antibacterial soap and the blue disposable waterproof pads. I also sometimes hang my bag on the towel rack, however at home now and in the hotel in Jamaica I was able to hang it from the headboard. When I travelled for business I used the towel bar in the washroom, like I used to do at home until I found I could be comfy in my bed and hang it from the headboard. I do have a body pillow that I lay on in the washroom if I need to, for example if I need to do it before my husband is up. The bathroom floor is just too hard for this old gal
Now this might be TMI...but I am trying to pass on things that have helped me...I found in the beginning that sometimes I am able to hold the water in no problem for several minutes after I am done. I have time to do all my clean up before I need to sit down. Other times...not so lucky and I was ending up with additional clean up
Now I have a good sized amount of toilet paper ready (folded several times) and once I remove the tubing, I place the tissue so that if I leak, it is absorbed vs dripping everywhere. This has made another big difference in the process. I also have a book in the washroom that I really enjoy...I read about 4 - 6 pages, and am usually done and ready to jump in the shower. It really is less than 20 minutes. If I take longer, it is because I am at a good part of the book and I don't want to stop reading. Some days I actually look forward to it if I am anxious to read more
I think this (reading a good book) has helped me to get to a good place as well as I have taken what could be an unpleasant experience and found a way to make it pleasant...or at least not unpleasant....if that make sense....
When I first had my stoma. those first few days I couldn't look at it. I found it really hard to wrap my head around the whole situation. By the end of my first week home...it was ok. At the end of month one, my visiting nurse was actually impressed at how well I was doing. It was just a matter of accepting the situation. I never "loved " Stella the stoma, but I accepted things for what they were and made the best of a bad situation. I feel this is a very similar situation. Not ideal, but now that I see the postive, have accepted the process...I am good with it. I can't ask for more than that. I figure my husband goes 3 - 4 times a day, probably the same 20 minutes as me...but I at least get to read!
Wishing a good week to all the Enema-ites, current and future!!