By Your Side Through and Through with MACE Bowel Washouts

Welcome, fellow superhero parents! Today, we’re diving into the world of living with MACE Bowel Washouts and exploring the challenges and joys from our caregiving point of view. So, grab your cape, put on your invisible invincibility cloak, and let’s tackle these Bowel Washouts together! Spare your five minutes, I spare one – two hours on this daily, be fair!

When your kid needs Bowel Washouts, you become a superhero parent! You learn new skills, face challenges with grace, and celebrate every victory – big or small. Here’s what it’s like on this crazy bowel washout adventure that I started sometime in August 2022.

Living with MACE Bowel Washouts: A Parent's Perspective

An appendicostomy is a surgery that allows a child to receive an enema through their belly button or abdomen directly into the beginning part of the colon. The surgery is also known as an antegrade colonic enema, appendicostomy, a Malone procedure, or MACE.

Diapers to Drains

Remember the days of endless diaper changes? Well, strap in, because caring for a child with Bowel Washouts takes it to a whole new level. It can be a rollercoaster ride, especially when you’re new to the procedure. Learning how to clean and care for a surgically created stoma might seem daunting at first, but hey, we parents are experts at adapting and mastering new skills, right?

The Ups and Downs: Brave Troubles

Living with Bowel Washouts comes with its fair share of challenges. Your schedule gets an overhaul, and you navigate awkward conversations. But you’ve got this! You’re a master of time management and talking about poop is your superpower. The bright side? Your kid gains independence and freedom. No more worrying about “accidents.” They can fully participate in activities and adventures! You cheer them on from the sidelines, invisible cape billowing in the wind.

I’ve got the scoop on some tough situations you might face:

  • Stigma and Awkward Conversations. Let’s be real, talking about bowel movements isn’t the most glamorous topic. There might be moments when you find yourself in those interesting conversations with friends or strangers, explaining your child’s Bowel Washouts. It can be awkward, but remember, we’re raising superstars, and what’s more heroic than tackling stigmatized topics head-on?
  • Time and Routine Management. Bowel Washouts can require some extra time and planning. Scheduling these Washouts into your already jam-packed day, or evening in my case, can feel overwhelming. But fear not, multitasking masters! With a little creativity and organization, we can conquer time management like nobody’s business. You may want to know that some of the times when I ignore your chats or calls I’ll be listening to the soothing spattering sounds. Cue superhero theme music!
  • Stoma Care and Potential Complications. Caring for the stoma is a vital part of the routine. Dealing with potential infections, irritation, or prolapse is part of the gig. But fret not, fellow caregivers! With supportive medical professionals, proper hygiene practices, and a sprinkle of superhero resilience, we’ll keep that stoma shining bright.

The Bright Side of the Rectum

Amidst the challenges, there are moments of pure joy and victories that make it all worthwhile (besides the musical splatter, that is). Let’s take a moment to celebrate these highlights:

  • Regaining Control and Independence. Bowel Washouts give our children a chance to reclaim their independence and control over their bodily functions. From reducing constipation to promoting regular bowel movements, it’s a step towards greater freedom and confidence. Witnessing our little superheroes take charge of their health is the ultimate reward.
  • Adventure Awaits! Remember when “adventure” meant “avoiding potential accidents”? With Bowel Washouts, our kids can fearlessly embark on new adventures. Whether it’s attending school, sleepovers, cricket matches, museum visits, heading to the amusement park, or participating in activities they love, they can now explore the world without constantly worrying about accidents. Let freedom ring!
  • Finding Support and Community. As caregiver parents, we’re never alone in this journey. Connecting with other superhero parents facing similar challenges can be a lifeline. Joining support groups or online communities allows us to share experiences, seek advice, and exchange empathetic virtual high-fives. Together, we rinse! oops, sorry together we rise.

By the way, you’re doing amazing, superhero!

Living with Bowel Washouts is no easy feat, but here you are, my fellow superhero parent, rocking it every day. Remember, you’re not alone on this adventure. Reach out for support, celebrate the victories (no matter how small), and shower your little superhero with love and encouragement. Our caregiving journey is filled with challenges and joys, but together, we can conquer anything.

Here Are Some Parting Shots for Living with MACE Bowel Washouts:

  • Make sure you have a good sense of humour. Living with Bowel Washouts can be challenging, but it’s important to be able to laugh at yourself.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment. There are many ways to manage Bowel Washouts, so find what works best for you.
  • Take care of yourself. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly.
  • Live your life! Don’t let the Bowel Washouts hold you back from living your life to the fullest.

So, keep that cape billowing behind you, wear that invincibility cloak with pride, and let’s continue being the superheroes our children need. Together, we’ve got this!

Above all, as you give care, take care.

Talk to me lwazi@lwanele.online

Want to meet one MACE Washout ninja? https://www.lwanele.online/

Learn more about MACE Bowel Washouts from the links below or find your own source, there are many.

MACE Bowel Washout Protocol: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK561455/

MACE Bowel Washout: A Review of the Literature: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7060381/