Enemas and Constipation

Take enemas twice a week, therefore I don't have a chance to get constipated

I have chronic pain from a neck injury and have been prescribed muscle relaxers which have given me some problems with constipation. There have been several instances where I was so blocked up with hard stool that while the pain of trying to pass it was horrible, I was actually concerned I might tear something in my rectum or anus. A half a jones can of warm soapy water made all the difference in being able to go without distress. So, while I like many others here, I enjoy the enemas simply for their own sake, they can and do actually have a medical benefit as well.

I always take a enema for constipation, it is the quick way for relief for me. Plus it gives me a great feeling afterwards. Laxatives just take too long and are unpredictable. If I go 2 days with out a BM it is enema time for me.

Janet s

you write: "In my home enemas are always used for constipation. Sometimes castor oil precedes the enemas but the laxative is always followed by a series of enemas."

Indeed this is the most efficient manner to cleanse the bowels totally for by swallowing a good dose of Castor Oil a lot of toxins will be deliberated in the liver. In taking a series of enemas later the rest of the toxins will be washed out from the colon.

I take enemas for constipation all the time. Thats what mom always did for me and it works right away instead of waiting for a laxative to work.

Since coming home from the hospital, I have been prescribed oxycodone and a Fentanyl patch to help control the constant pain I am experiencing. Constipation has now become a real problem, coupled by very little appetite; as a result all I am able to release are these rock hard pieces of poop, usually associated with considerable pain.

I have enjoyed enemas for many years and thought that this situation will provide a great outlet for enema play. I have discovered that a warm soapsud 2 quart enema does not help get to the fecal matter in the transverse colon and I still only release these "pellets".

Any suggestions on how to proceed from here? More volume? Stronger solution? Smaller solution and hold for longer period of time?

I welcome input from those who have had direct or indirect experience of constipation from medications.

Thanks

Joymkr

Joymkr,

in such a severe case the best to cleanse the bowels totally is to swallow an adequate dose Castor Oil, this early in the morning, not having breakfasted: 2 oz Castor Oil mixed with fridged orange juice will do a good job. Normally 2 to 4 hours after swallowing this emulsion the first results will be see, exceptionally 1 to 6 hours later.

Joymkr, I'd first suggest longer retention, then more volume and longer retention. When I get very constipated I'll take 2 qts of slightly warm soapy water (Dr Bronner's is my favorite) and hold it for up to 30 minutes, but through at least 3 waves of cramping. 2 qts will always reach my transverse colon, often deeper. Sometimes I have to repeat this up to 4 times before I feel clean and open again. I hope you're more comfortable soon!

As a child I was rarely constipated. Never the less if my mother suspected it she would discretely mention that she needed to give me an enema .If in the hospital she would just they are going to give you an enema. She enjoyed talking about enemas so after a couple of time I looked forward to see her come into my room with a full red bag and a Vaseline jar

For those who experience hard, dry poop that hurts to pass the solution is usually simple. First they should modify their diets to increase roughageand increase their water intake by 50% or more.

After these simple steps if the condition persists try mineral oil enemas. The Fleets 4oz is usually enough if retained for 15 minutes or longer. It will soften and lubricate the poop. After retaining the mineral oil you can do any of several things. A 2qt. SSE, retained for 10 minutes before expelling will flush out the bowel and remove the oil. If the SSE is not your thing you can allow a Dulcolax suppository to melt in a warm Fleets Mineral Oil enema and squirt that in. It will produce a movement which will be involuntary and quite messy, but it will remove impacted poop. You will have to follow up with another enema such as a normal Fleets to remove most of the remaining oil but you will have to be prepared for oil leaking for a day or so. I prefer an SSE after the oil, (with or without the oil with the melted suppository). It will flush out the bowel and remove the oil.

Thanks for your kind and helpful information. I will try the longer retention time with a 2+ qt. SSE. I will also proceed that with a mineral oil enema. The castor oil will be a last resort as the taste is nauseating to me.

I am proud to be part of this group and really appreciate the caring attitudes, especially since I am experiencing some serious depression after getting out of the hospital and finding out how difficult it is to get along while living alone.

Be Well!

joymkr

My sister is taking considerable pain medication due to a spinal injury. She told me that her doctor who just returned from a training learned that for patients experiencing constipation due to their medication should not up their dosage of fiber as it will cause the constipation to worsen. Have any of you suffering from this type of constipation heard this information as well? I feel that the first line of defense for constipation is upping fiber and water, but I can also see how fiber can be very obstructive when the bowel is not releasing water. Any thoughts?

EASTSIDER: I use enemas for constipation, or any excuse to get one!!!

SAVVYGRL: Here in Germany it is well known that a dosage of fiber will cause the constipation to worsen.

RICINI: That's only when you don't take enough water with the fiber to fully hydrate it.

People often make the mistake of using extra fiber but not taking extra water as they think the more concentrated solution will help more, but THAT makes it worse.

The fiber must be hydrated well or else it absorbs water from the surrounding contents and it gets harder to pass, not easier.

Like with most things, it pays to follow the directions on the bottle.

Hi savvygrl, Please read my post of 421/13. She needs to increase her water intake by 50%! Then increase fiber, not the other way around. Once she is constipated from all that dry fiber an SSE will clear her out. Then start with the increased water. If she does not drink a lot of fluid, (as many women refuse, they don't like to run to pee), she has to drink the water or she will be continuously constipated and probably become dependent on irritant laxatives.

Start her on a 50% increase or at least two quarts, (or liters), daily for two days, then begin the fiber. If she begins to have uncomfortably hard BM's she needs to increase the water by 50% daily until the problem resolves.

I take them all the time when plugged up. It feels so amazing afterward

Sometimes I take some strange enemas for fun or as a "game" with others.. examples.. MT DEW, Maple syrup,pudding,yogurt,mashed potatoes ( use INSTANT, thin and with a LARGE syringe), Once I even tried MUD but that was yrs ago. as for using LIVE critters...NOWAY!

Enemas are the best way a Senior can offset the effects of some medications. I am age 70. In order to enjoy a very active life in my golden years I take Vicodin. Vicodin causes constipation. I am not looking for an uncomfortable experience when taking my routine enemas. I first take a Fleet oil enema and hold it for up to an hour. I needs a diaper on during this period if I am going to be active. A towel under me will do if just going to be o the computer. Without releasing the oil, I take a two quart mild soap suds enemas. I hold it as long as possible. . The gentle release that follows get the job done very well.

I like to use enemas for constipation as the relief is now not an hour from now.

By taking daily enemas, I avoid the discomfort of constipation. As a child, I would use constipation as the excuse of convenience, in order to get an enema.

While I used to get constipation from the medicines I took, and then an enema was the way to relief, I now take a fiber supplement which takes care of the constipation. That leaves enemas for a good time, which is a lot nicer.

hankb

I use enemas for the rare occasions I am constipated. Quick resolution to constipation, no waiting for laxatives.

Lisa, as a matter of fact I will get constipated along with my PMS each month. At that time an enema is not a luxury.

There IS no other solution for me! Works right away and is usually fun.

Never get constipated, but that doesn't mean that I don't still enjoy enemas. In fact, one of the nice side benefits of using Epsom Salts with a J & J Baby Shampoo enema ( or Dr. Bronners castile soap), is that the injection of Epsom Salts makes the next bowel movement very easy. Not loose, but simply easy. Of course, that assumes you wait to have a normal bowel movement before taking the next enema. 😃 Occurs every time for me.

I always take an enema if I am constipated.

I will take an enema for constipation if I have the time. Suppositories if I am in a hurry.

I don't get constipated very often but when I do I ALWAYS use an enema for relief. For me, there is something very hot about knowing the I NEED an enema. For some reason, there is great satisfaction is taking a full sized enema on a full bowel. The release is powerful and I feel GREAt afterward.

I have a touch of IBS-C when I'm stressed or on business trips on a crazy schedule. I can also get constipated and bloated before my period. So, enemas are a necessary part of my health regimen and I see a colon therapist twice a year for "maintenance." Diet, exercise, a loving family and being positive about life are so important in maintaining a healthy body and mind. I'm not perfect. I still suffer from asthma from when I was younger, and I have to be careful of getting respiratory infections. I've had fevers over 104. My body needs help to stay as healthy as possible. For me having an enema bag is both a necessity, and when enemas make me feel good, all the better.