Enemas in the camp infirmary

Until my tonsils were removed, the first couple of years in camp involved a stay in the infirmary.

Apparently on the theory that boys would get "sluggish" lying in bed, an enema was prescribed for anyone who spent the night. The procedure was that we got up made our beds and washed then stood by for inspection. After the check of ear, nails etc Nurse wheeled in a cart with one or more pitchers covered by a towel and a basin with the required number of tubes.

The enema bag was on a hook on the wall by the toilet. Nurse filled the bag to whatever level and called her patient. The curtain was pulled (no separate bathroom--just a partition) and the patient dropped his pj's, turned around and put his hands on the seat. The tube was passed back to front between legs, cheeks were spread and there was a bit of pressure on the anus. In went the tube, no problem. The it went in some more and it seemed like a lot more Seated on the throne the stop was released but controlled by the nurse. I have no idea what if anything besides soap was in it but it sure worked. My urge went up a lot faster than the enema bag collapsed.

"Isn't that enough"

"A little more"

I seemed like a lot more to me. As it got near the end the bag was raised so that the tube was fully extended. When the bag burped the tube was immediately clamped and removed. "You're almost done. It's important for you to hold that for a few minutes. I"ll tell you when to release it. Do you understand?"

"Yes ma'am

While she left me there she was still within ear shot. There was a short splat in the toilet when a real wave hit me. "You hold that young man."

By this time I was really fighting for control, Another splat and " Do you want another enema? You may need one."

"No ma'am. I really don't."

"Then you hold it just a little more."

Finally I could do no more and just exploded. I was worried at first that the enema would be repeated but nothing happened. While there would be other times that first experience in the infirmary was sure one to remember.

That must have been quite an experience in the camp infirmary. Were you the only one in the infirmary or were there others there at the same time.? I take it everyone got an enema? Was there any conversation before or after the enemas about what had happened or was about to happen?

There was sometimes a joke but no real talk about enemas. Everyone knew what the routine was going to be and that everyone without exception would be given one. It was generally regarded as nasty but inevitable.

One thing I found out was that it was best to be first if there was someone else there too. It was unnerving to lie there and have to listen to the protests on the other side of the curtain. Then too there was only one toilet and a kid might refuse to get off no matter how sternly ordered by nurse. In that case the guy with the full load was given a bed pan placed on a fairly high straight backed chair.That doesn't sound too bad but balancing there and taking care of business when your feet barely reach the floor presented problems (I suspect nurse didn't want to risk soiling the sheets and replacing them. Thus the chair.)

So when she came in with her cheery "Who is going to be first" I risked being labeled an enema lover--definitely undesirable among the preteen set--and volunteered. There might be a snicker but I suspect it was apprehension that kept that down.