Constipated need help

I have been constipated for 4 days, I have use 2 suppositories, no results. I want an enema, but having trouble I can get the nozzle to stay in, I have a rectal tube, but its not working either. can someone please help. If I go to the hospital, I don't think they would give me enema there

Hi Mom. Try a bulb syringe. Repeat insertions until you feel full. Hold it as long as you can. If you manage to clear a little bit out, use a closed top bag and a larger nozzle. You can squeeze the bag for more pressure if needed. Once you feel lighter, your last enemas could be salt and soda, nice and slow just to make you feel better. Hope this works, and you feel better soon.

Repeat this every two days for a week, then maybe one a week so that you don't get backed up again.

Assuming that you're having problems with the nozzle staying in because of stool in the rectum. Also assuming that you really want to take care of this with an enema, at 4 days you could probably get away with trying an osmotic as another option.

Do repeated small enemas while seated on the toilet and the hose in just a bit to break up what is in the rectum. Once that is out take larger ones as comfortable until you have whatever you consider as "enough" out. Eventually you'll get the "plug" out and things will work better.

Another option that I haven't tried but have heard about is a bit of oil injected into the rectum and retained for an hour or so.

Enemas every two days for a week is a bit much. I'd say go for the old standby, fiber and Mirilax, and see if you can keep things going that way for a few days. If you need to you can go back to the enemas. Taper off the Mirilax when and if possible, your choice on how to handle the fiber based on how your bowels work.

You shouldn't need to do them weekly unless your diet needs changing or you have bowel issues. Keep them on the "as needed" basis to relieve constipation or the for fun list.

Edit - you might also try a small milk and molasses. Those are supposed to get things moving pretty fast.

Note that if you aren't getting any gas expelled that might be a sign of impaction.

Have you tried prune juice? I was once constipated for five days, a small bottle of prune juice did the trick.

You can also get a fleet mineral oil enema and use that and then wait 30 minutes and do a soapy one. Use a douche nozzle and put it in then roll on your back. You can do it. You really need someone to help butt just take your time and don't panic.

Follow elifer's suggestion and use bulb enemas. Inject a 4 oz or 8 oz bulb with very soapy water or 50pct glycerine and wait what happens.

To moliere: enemas every two days has never been a problem for me. There are times when I have daily "corks" which may activate my anal fissure, so I use one of my bulb enemas which solves the problem on the spot.

Ioeides, I get that she probably would be just fine, but most people wouldn't need that. I too have enemas more than I would routinely recommend, but like you I have a reason, ongoing functional bowel issues.

You can also get a fleet mineral oil enema and use that.

I have a bowel disorder that results in frequent stoppages and blockages. The best thing I've found came from several hospital visits and what they gave me:

1) mineral oil enema, about 4-8 oz. Have it given very slowly and hold at least an hour, more is better.

2) 1 to 3 soapsuds enemas. This will cut the oil and help remove the softened feces.

3) 1 or 2 tapwater enemas - rinses out soap residue and prevents further irritation.

This has worked every time for me, though it has meant a lot of enemas. I prefer when they are given to me at the clinic, but I don't often have that luxury. If you have mobility or spasm issues you might be able to get your Dr to refer a home health agency to assist you. I had this for a summer as a child, and more recently, I got 3 visits to train and assist me in my Dr prescribed, weekly:

4) 2 large volume tapwater enemas taken on the same day each week.

If I keep up on that, I have few problems. It's when I skip my weekly enemas that things start to get bad.

Another option is to hire a private nurse or tech from an agency. If you tell them you are private pay, they may not need a Dr referral. It's best to get an Rx though, and ask your Dr if home health may be an option for you. Your insurance may pay but if not, Agencies and nurses are more than glad to work for cash. Depending on the state you live in, you may be able to hire a medical technician or Aide for a lot less. Not all states allow CNA's and/or techs to give enemas though, so check with the agency.

A doctor recently told me to take this mixture: 1 cup bran, 1 cup applesauce, 3/4 cup of prune juice. I have found that if I take two heaping tablespoons full after breakfast and after supper, in a couple of days I am able to have a bm without having to take an enema. You need to experiment with how much to take. I took a 4 qt enema and then started taking the bran mixture and after perhaps three days, I started having bm's with no further help. I still do my enemas from time to time for the enjoyment of the experience, but I am not a slave to them anymore.

Like @elifer, I have had a lot of good luck with several small enemas with a bulb. And as @bbw4doc says, prune juice is good too, especially after you're clear, to keep you that way.