What to use when constipated

Ok I’m not big on enemas….they make me cramp and feel yucky. I don’t care too much for suppositories either. So I use a rectal thermometer or a rectal “toy”/diolator and I push it in and out of my bottom while twisting just a little until I feel the urge….sometimes I do have to use a suppository just a bit but then I can usually get some movement by using the rectal thermometer or rectal diolator. Just curious if anyone else uses a rectal thermometer for constipation or what other alternatives do you use for such a case

When I have constipation, which is rare these days, we rarely use tablets or suppositories. I take enemas periodically to cleanse my body.

As a child, I often had constipation and my mother used medications, suppositories and enemas. However, she never used a rectal thermometer as a means of inducing a bowel movement. Maybe it's because in my country only babies' temperatures are taken rectally.

Although my cousin measured her son's rectal temperature until he was 6 years old, this was an exception. She was satisfied with this method because the measurement was quick and accurate. Moreover, she said that the boy defecated after being measured, which she considered an additional advantage.

Once in my life I felt the need to defecate after anal penetration. It wasn't just a thermometer, but a rectal examination. It was the first rectal examination in my life. I was 18 years old then and I had to undergo such an examination during my military examination. The female doctor told me to assume the knee-to-chest position. I felt her slippery gloved finger inside my rectum. After the examination, I quickly went to the bathroom. I then understood why those who had been undergoing the examination before me quickly left the dressing room.

My mother used to stimulate my bowels like this, using a thermometer. She would dip the thermometer in olive oil and keep inserting it in and out of her anus until she felt like pooping. Sometimes I still use this method and if it fails it's time for the suppository.

We will try a few suppositories first. Usually, they will not work on me and my sister. But they work great on my sisters girlfriend and my sisters girlfriends niece. But after that we still use enemas.

I'm not prone to constipation. However after a hernia operation and taking oxycodone I was stopped up. Cramping from bowels wanting to move but the poo was to hard/large to get out the anal sphincter. And with the recent open hernia surgery I didn't want to 'push' hard. I felt around anus; the poo was pushing against the pelvic floor and pushing it down. Friend got an enema kit: hot water bottle and nozzles. Didn't work. The hard poo stopped up the openings. By this time it was more than 3 hours of suffering. I'd heard of "disimpactions." Quick internet instructions. It was gross, but I had some nitrile gloves around for painting. I put finger in, and dug out small pieces for a while, and managed to break up the last hard piece, and push it out. Digging around alternating with pushing out some took a long time but ultimately successful. I used the enema kit, and washed out more.

Next time more surgery. I "test drove" Miralax and Milk of magnesia BEFORE the surgery, settling on the MOM. I ate veggies, and drank a lot of water before surgery. As soon as I got home, it was the MOM at 10AM and few hours later, a nice BM. Used the MOM every day for 2 weeks. No disimpaction or enemas needed.

@Tabitha32

I’m 42 but I have never liked enemas and suppositories are not a favorite either….but I will use them occasionally when nothing else works!

I can usually get the thermometer to work!

I take my temperature in my bottom anyways so it just makes sense to use the thermometer when I’m constipated too!

I’ve always had my temperature taken in my bottom since I was little @ home and @ the doctors office!

Miralax (low dosage daily) works well. Our procto surgeon,also recommended a tsp of mineral oil (he specifically said “not castor oil” but I didn’t ask why). If needed, a 10-20 oz water or soapy water administered about 8 inches high in the rectum to flush it out. This was for a condition where one doesn’t have impacted hard stools, just weak muscles due to MS that aren’t doing their job.

I suffered, and still suffer today, from constipation. I have tried various remedies, various types of laxatives, glycerin suppositories... The former work every now and then, the latter I find no benefit. When I'm quite ill the best solution is enema...

If very constipated, 2 liters of water (make it body temperature to minimize discomfort) up the ass will do the trick!

Two stage approach for me. First option is a glycerine suppository which is not uncomfortable and can bring a result. Failing that a warm water enema of 1.5 - 2 litres does the job. When no enema kit was available I have occasionally had to resort to manual disimpaction but it's not fun.

One time I walked into our kitchen and much to my surprise, my mother had my sister on her lap and was trying to insert the tip of a small candle into her butt. I didn't ask what she was doing, but looking back, my sister was probably constipated. My mother didn't insert the candle very far, perhaps an inch or two. Can't remember if it had the desired effect.

Laxatives

What works for me is two bulbs full of warm water taken standing at the bathroom sink using a 6 Oz bulb syringe. I hold it while I brush my teeth etc. By then I have a string urge, sit on the toilet and empty quite well. All set to the next day.

Previously I had used Miralax for years. Finding out that to get results, I was constantly taking a larger dose or multiple doses.

I do enjoy enemas although I don't consider 2 bulbs full a real enema. When I get the urge I'll occasionally take a large volume enema for fun and a good cleanout.

Sometimes I get hard and dry stools backing me up. First thing I try is laxative tablets, most times they work well but sometimes it takes 12 hours or more for results. If I need more immediate relief, I will take the same laxative but in suppository form. That will help most of the time but there are times I realize I will need something more potent and will use liquid glycerine that are like mini fleet enemas. I find them to be harsh and if the stool is dry, will just cause cramping. I found a fleet enema is more effective as the water will soften the dry stool and allow it to pass easily. I have been thinking about finding a pump style enema that will inject water higher in the colon to soften backed up stool.

Fifteen to thirty ml. of liquid glycerin or my girlfriend will use an eight ounce bulb syringe to inject a Mayo enema which is water to which four tablespoons of brown sugar and two of bicarbonate of soda have been added. For a small yet super effective enema she will add three ounces of molasses to three ounces of warm milk and use a six ounce bulb syringe to inject that. With both but especially the latter, I will start to hear my stomach start to rumble as the rectum and colon fill with gas. About 20 minutes after the syringing I start to feel an ever increasing urge to go. A small amount of Sorbitol added to six or eight ounces of water makes for a great enema. If she feels like I need a larger enema she will fill a fountain syringe with 2 liters of pure apple juice and have me assume a knee chest position to receive it then lie on my right side for five minutes.

My mother first response to constipation was green house hold soap in finger size firmly inserted up my bottom hole she push it in and out few times before pushing it finger deep all a way in if that didn't get results it be warm soapy enema

A simmple stool softener always works. just be patient

When having and "urge to purge" , I think a 2 quart enema using plain water or a with a little bit of baby shampoo works wonders! Denise

Magnesium oxide or citrate capsules the evening before the morning when you want to go, along with plenty of water. It’s great with a coffee enema the next morning to really clean out, but the magnesium alone does wonders and really gives you that “deep clean” feeling since it’s flushing out the small intestine too. Green juice fasts for 2-3 days are also great, that’s that I do before monthly colonics these days.

An enema is my choice. Usually just 3 bulbs full in the morning for instant relief. All over in 10 minutes or less.

When I get that feeling that I'm still backed up or just need a good cleanout. 3 quarts of very warm water and a healthy squeeze of J&J.

I may need a clesnout tonight!

My body reacts poorly to laxatives. For mild constipation I usually try upping my dietary fiber. If that doesn’t work and the constipation issue feels like it’s in my rectum, I will sometimes lubricate and insert a longer soft silicone enema nozzle and then withdraw it. If that fails, I may try a few bulbs of warm water. If that won’t work, or if I can tell I have the spasms and right-sided constipation I get with IBS, then only a 2-liter enema will do.

Usually even if I’m able to get by for a few days with the nozzle or bulb, I find things eventually worsen and only a regular enema will reset the issue. It’s usually to my benefit to start there, but sometimes a lack of time and privacy interferes.