Giving yourself an enema...

Hey all, I was at the ER getting hydrated last night and I was having really bad abdominal pain. They checked out my tummy and pouchie is okay, but they said I was very impacted with stool and pockets of gas. The doc said I needed an at home enema. Okay, I do not want anyone else to do this for me, so... is it easy to give one to yourself? I am kind of scared of what to expect. I have never had an enema before. I really need to get this out of me though... My husband was cracking up saying "I knew you were full of s*%t honey and now you've proven me right". He has such a sick sense of humor!

I hear they are pretty easy to give yourself just follow the directions I have never had one

i think that i have that problem too sorry i don't have an answer for you but i'm going to lurk here and look for an answer for myself! good luck to you with getting poo out! Steph 350/142/140 (5'8") working on personal goal...below surgeon's goal of 143!!

i dont know either as i havent ever had to have one either, i seem to have just the opposite problem lol... i have noticed the farther along in this journey the more it seems to change in cycles ... isnt that just odd???

buy the green box FLEET enema. It comes already assembled and even has a lubricated tip. If you can feel your anal area with your fingers you should have no problem putting it in. Ideally I would sit on the toilet as soon as possible after giving the fluid, but keep your bottom clenched tight as long as possible after you give it so that it works. There are directions in the box. I personally have never given myself one, or a glycerin supository, but my sister has and she says they are easy to give oneself. I have given too many to count to patients though! lol Alyson, RN

I have been wondering the same thing and if you don't mind want to add another question to this thread. I have been using suppositories (sp?) for relief and still feel "full" will an enema do a better job or is one about the same as another. thanks and I will watch you post. Good Luck, jennifer

The suppository sometimes can "soften things up" where an enema can "clean you out" At least thats how it's been put to me. I would say to you guys, as I did another gal with similar questions on a different post, that you can become dependent on enemas and suppositories, where you won't have a movement without one. so just be careful.

They are pretty easy to do yourself. Some people find it easier to buy the Fleets water enema (or similar brand) because of the shape of the neck of the bottle. It also has directions. Just hold the water for as long as you can. Others prefer the regular ol' hanging enama bottle and tube thing. Up to you. The key would be to try and relax, if you don't tense up it decreases pain, and to use some lube if painful or having a hard time. I have not had to do it for constipation (so far) but have had to prep for a colonoscopy before. It is fairly easy. Never thought I would be talking about it on a discussion board, lol! Hope it helps.

when i worked in the hospital, we were told to have the pt. lay on their left side for some reason. we had the bedpan right there, half way under the butt, we'd put the bedpan all the way under the pt. then and then the pt. would hold the fluid as long as possible and then 'let er fly'. there is also a fleet's enema that is acually mineral oil in it instead of water. i'm very surprised that they didn't give you the enema while you were there. and there are excellent suppositories that are only by prescription that work w/i 10 min. i use the glycerin, cheap ones and they work ok BUT I HAVEN'T HAD MY SURGERY YET. shredded wheat daily works great for me also but i don't think i'll be allowed to have that after surgery MARTY

when i worked in the hospital, we were told to have the pt. lay on their left side for some reason. we had the bedpan right there, half way under the butt, we'd put the bedpan all the way under the pt. then and then the pt. would hold the fluid as long as possible and then 'let er fly'. there is also a fleet's enema that is acually mineral oil in it instead of water. i'm very surprised that they didn't give you the enema while you were there. and there are excellent suppositories that are only by prescription that work w/i 10 min. i use the glycerin, cheap ones and they work ok BUT I HAVEN'T HAD MY SURGERY YET. shredded wheat daily works great for me also but i don't think i'll be allowed to have that after surgery MARTY