Enema before hospital procedure

Hi. I need to undergo a procedure in hospital and have been told by the consultant's secretary that I will have to have an enema prior to it. She said it would be given to me by the nurse. This surprised me because I thought the times of enemas in hospitals are over, and even if I had to have one, it would be sent home to me so I could do it myself. I have mixed feelings about it, actually, I am pretty nervous. What sort of enemas do they use in UK hospitals these days?

Thanks.

Here in the US you'd probably be given a Fleet Enema prior to a Sigmoidoscopy or other procedure involving the rectal area or prostate. It's pretty common for those to be self administered before arriving for the procedure.

I had knee replacement surgery a couple of years ago and it was suggested that I take an enema beforehand. I opted for a good soapy enema rather than a Fleet. It is also fairly common to receive an enema prior to heart surgery.

I'm scheduled for Lithotrypsy next week and a bowel prep is required. I was given a laxative prep to use. I called and asked the nurse if an enema was acceptable instead and she told me that would be fine since the concern is only to clear the lower bowel so the xrays aren't obscured by fecal accumulations.

Thank you sse4fun. I still can't believe it is going to happen, I am almost sure the secretary got it wrong. Am expecting to have something sent home to me to use myself.

Hi, im in the uk too, i thought hospital enemas had died out,id like to have a proper nhs style enema myself, would gladly do yours for you, want to chat ?

Okay, it's official. I got a letter and it said that the nurses would give me an enema on the ward. Scared now! The last experience of hospital enema as a child was a trigger, definitely, but I really have mixed feelings about it now. Also, am a bit nervious about the procedures or better the outcome.

Before my last colonostopy I was given quiet a clean out procedure (to be done at home) involving at least two fleets several pills and drinking 7 up. The directions were very specific and kept me up most of the night before.

Rosehip?

I truly bope you are given a real enema, rather than the "Fleets" variety. Speaking for myself only, the Fleets cause me irritation for a long time after one is given. That constant feeling of needing to "go." I also hope you get a nurse who knows HOW to make an enema a more pleasant experience. Most Nurses are very sensitive to YOUR feelings. Walt

In Belgium you have to drink a BEURK STUFF mixed with water, 3 liters or 0.8 gallon.

No enema, just that beurk water and pills.

Nothing else.

Thanks for your replies. It really is an enema, not just something to drink, it says so in the letter. I can't imagine it is anything different than a small, one way one; old fashioned proper enemas would take too long, surely? But on the other hand, how can a small enema be enough? I might have to ask for two ... although, I might find that it is a horrible experience, and that it is only nice in my fantasy but not in reality.

Don't be scared for they do it several times a day, and approximately 220 days by years.

This mean 2.200 cares by year, so follow what they ask, let them manage your care.

Just like in a car if they are a steer and two pedals for the driver and for the front passenger, the crash is not far after leaving the garage.

Do what they ask no more no less, and everything will go well and fast.

We are with you, you will see after you will smile from your fears.

Not to worry. I've had soap suds enemas administered in the hospital on two occasions (2 quarts each). They are administered with great discretion. I was not embarassed by the procedure. I was covered by a sheet at all times after the tube was inserted. The nurse left me alone after the solution was administered and I was allowed to go to the bathroom to expel the water. No problem!

Okay, I can confirm, they still administer enemas in UK hospitals! It was such an exciting but also slightly humiliating experience. And the first one didn't work, so had to have two! I expected to be taken back to my childhood where I had an enema in hospital, but it wasn't like that at all. Although still embarrassing, I felt I had some kind of control. Wow.

So, what type of enema were you given? Please don't keep us in suspense!

Phosphate ones ...