How far in?

Hi there i have a 3ft enema tube and i want to see how far in i can get it is there a safe limit before iend up injuring myself?

Depending on the characteristics of the tube (diameter, stiffness) and your ability to know anatomically where it is in your colon and your skill in manipulating it, you could get all three feet in. Be careful. Read posts on colon tube techniques. Here's what I do:

The method I use to insert is to be at least partially cleaned out first and be laying on your back--that is the position colonoscopy is performed in once you get to the transverse colon going on to the ascending colon and cecum. Then when inserting the tube, use lots of lubricant so the anus doesn't get sore. Then allow some water to flow in and close the clamp. Now to insert the tube, I like to use the "jerking off your husband" stroking method as the tube is gradually advanced. What I mean is keep the tube moving in and out in two to four (or whatever is best for you) inch strokes and keep advancing the tube. I never found just twisting the tube to be as effective as the "jerking off" method, which is actually more or less what gastroenterologists do when they insert a colonoscope. They inflate the colon with air, we will use the enema water. Periodically, depending on how the tube feels inside you, add more water and close the clamp again and advance the tube more. Keep doing this until all the way in. WARNING: the tube will not go in as far as you think. Unless you have an abnormally tortuous colon or the tube folds over on itself inside you, you won't get in five or six feet of tubing. When the colon is described as 5 to 6 feet long, that is how long it is stretched out on a table, not sitting inside your abdomen. Consider the colon to be like the slinky toy. You can stretch it out far, but when it is at rest, it isn't that long. To demonstrate my point, look at a chart showing how the colon lies inside the abdomen. Then, take a rubber tube and trace that out on your belly. You'll see there is no way you are getting five feet of tube inside you without its kinking and folding. Three feet is about the maximum you will get. DO NOT force it, especially as you get the end of the tube in to the lower right quadrant where the cecum is. If you have a heavy, stiff tube (which is really what I like because it is easier to feel inside you and "massage" to where you want it to go) you can puncture your colon, which will cause a life threatening infection or you can damage the ileocecal valve if you try to force it into the ileum.

I have taken about 2 feet of tube inside me. I make sure it is warm, and therefore very flexible first, and insert slowly, twisting the tube sideways back and forwards as it goes in. Sometimes I can feel it inside, but I am very careful...no desire to cause damage! It feels nice, though.

I have a 30 inch colon tube that I have used about half a dozen times. Too often I was frustrated because the tube would double over about were it reaches my sigmoid colon. Also, my primary care physician tells me that they do not like to do colonoscopies on folk my age (in my eighties) because of the increased risk of perferating the colon, so for me to be going there, well, the risk/reward ratio is no longer good enough.

Switchablesusie has it right. I too have a 6ft soft clear colon tube and can insert only about 3ft 4inches up inside of me for the enema to flow. Be safe like she said, do not force it , it will bend back and or damage you.

I love my colon tube. It isn't that long but when good an clean it makes for a great session.

As long ass it is past the sphincter, the receiver can't keep it out. 3 inches in is enough to give good retention. A flared nozzle helps.

I have a 30" colon tub I like to use fully insereted

I can typically comfortably get a foot or so in me, using the method susie shared. In fact, I just did that and it was wonderful, although I still periodically have to run to the bathroom to expell more of the solution that didn't initially come out.

I have been able to insert about twenty inches. Your mileage may vary...

I have a 24" and thinking about trying a bit longer. the key is to take it slowly and stop when you feel you have had enough.