I was born in the early 50's. While I'm sure that people and families had their challenges, life seems to have been a bit more simple, in hindsight. In pondering the advances in medicine, electronics, and other aspects, is life now more complicated or have these advances truly simplified things?
Undoubtedly, the development of Fleet products was seen as a significant time saver in the hospital and home medical setting. The early product literature espoused the convenience and efficiency and ultimately the saving of valuable time. They found a way to make somebody poop in a hurry. They also developed materials that could be discarded as soon as the desired results happened. Certain drugs could cleanse one's system for those dreaded procedures without the medical folks having to spend their valuable time administering the procedures that many people seemed to abhor or be deathly afraid of. If only we knew, we all would have invested in Fleet or similar companies.
I for one, have some very fond memories of those more simple times. Although I dreaded being subjected to the red enema bag at times, in hindsight, I often wish that someone cared enough to offer such a simple resolution to some of those bouts with digestive distress. After all, isn't there some movement toward what has become a more "natural" state as it relates to health and nutrition etc. I suppose that many of us are here to relive some of those circumstances.
A good enema seemed to be a common cure all during my formative years. Once an enema bag was obtained, the costs of treatment were essentially nil. The family enema bag was used on everyone and doubled as a feminine hygeine syringe as needed. Many of the bacterial issues and diseases of today weren't very significant.
Enemas were more common as an aide to toilet training and myself and siblings were likely to get an enema if a regular BM wasn't forthcoming. The pediatrician prescribed enemas quite regularly as if my mom and grandma needed any more encouragement. He used to tell my mom often to "give that kid an enema" or inquired "did you give that kid an enema?" His nurse would usually ask also. My mom felt derelict if she couldn't answer affirmatively.
Any hospital stay or diagnostic procedure likely resulted in an enema either at the facility or at home prior. Sometimes they occurred in both places. My mom gave us kids an enema before any regular check up at the doctor. I know she took them prior to her appointments also. Enema use and discussion was pretty open albeit embarrassing at times. It was pretty common knowledge when somebody in the family was getting or going to get an enema. We only had one bathroom and the enema bag was very prominent in it's usual place (wet or dry).
While I dreaded some of those enemas, especially those soapy ones, I came to love and have an appreciation for the relief from that simple procedure. Maybe my own survival instincts took over and I conditioned myself to tolerate most of those enemas and other embarrassing procedures. Even when I felt that I was subjected to an enema for punishment, I would secretly relish the process.
While I'm happy in this new age, I really enjoy regressing to that simpler time on occasion. Thank goodness it is possible to find appropriate enema equipment that helps replicate those fond memories.