Long Retention Times.

I came across this post from Richard who has been using enemas for 62 years:-

According to my current internist who uses enemas himself, unfolding the haustra and removing the fecal residue is one of the better things that you can do for colon health . The cautions that he said to observe were: always use an isotonic solution (one teaspoonful of salt per quart), especially for long retention times, limit the use of soap or other irritants, such as Fleet or other OTC enema preparations, and if it hurts, don't do it.

As to the bacteria in the colon, it is almost impossible to wash out enough to cause a problem, as the bacteria will regenerate to full strength in about three hours. He told me that some level of "enema enthusiasm" still exists among medical professionals even today. While they won't recommend it to others, they will use it themselves.

I am a type 2 diabetic, and have been taking enemas for the last 62 years. The first is a two to two and a half quart enema that I retain for about an hour, then a three to three and a half quart enema, to make sure that I'm well cleaned out. The colon will expand like the folds of an accordion, and with repeated large enemas, will relax and be able to accept more water, but when the folds (haustra) are completely unfolded, you are at maximum capacity. Based on my X-ray evidence, the last enema is from 4 to 5 ½ quarts, which I can retain for from 30 to 60 minutes. My last colonoscopy showed the healthy colon of a thirty five year old, and I'm almost seventy.

From Richard Elgin – 2013.

In spite of his advanced age, he claims to be able to hold from 4 to 5 1/2 quarts of solution for from 30 minutes to 60 minutes. This must take a lot of practice and considerable willpower. I also wonder what motivates him to achieve such long retentions of such large volumes. He seems to have his Doctor's approval. I am only able to hold 4 quarts for up to 10 minutes, before being compelled to expel, but this may be because I have always suffered from IBS flare-ups.

What do others think about the willpower required for long retention times.

Don't know that I can consider anything over 15 minutes to be a safe retention.

Some water is always being absorbed from the bowels into the bloodstream. Even Epsom Salt can only stop that process briefly. You CAN absorb TOO MUCH water that way. That can lead to potentially fatal heart and kidney problems.

15 minutes, and release!!

OK?

Be safe!!

I try to hold for a bit, but do good to make it 5 minutes most of the time.

Dan

I think the myth of fecal plaque leading to autointoxication has been generally disproved. From colonoscopies in unprepped patients it has become clear that this doesn't exist. Long retention times may be fun but probably don't help much in the health of your colon. This from my experience in gastroenterology in my training.

Howhamilton said Richard Elgin said

. . . . As to the bacteria in the colon, it is almost impossible to wash out enough to cause a problem, as the bacteria will regenerate to full strength in about three hours. . . . . .

That's absolute crap (no pun intended) and totally untrue.

Normal feces, that means in people not taking enemas, is 20-30% bacteria by weight. The enema washes out almost all of it (just like washing your hands eliminates 99.9% of bacteria), especially if you get to a clear (no darker than chicken broth) return. Of course bacteria will re-grow because the enema does not sterilize the colon, but it takes time AND MOST IMPORTANT, the lack of a fully developed flora makes it much easier for opportunistic bacteria to take hold due to a lack of competition (C. difficile comes to mind among others) to cause infections and pathology.

I just took a 4 quart saline enema this evening and held it, by the clock, for 35 minutes because it was so comfortable. I do use a DB catheter inflated a number of pumps to make it easier and more enjoyable. I could have easily held the one tonight for an hour or more, but didn't have time.

Eric

Unfortunately it can not resist much, at most 10 minutes