Colonic tube - safe insertion 101

It's the ultimate penetration!!! 😄

It's counter-intuitive how such a long tube, whose length is typically up to some 30" (75 cm), can safely go up the ass, given that the rectum is only a few inches long, before the colon makes several sharp turns. The key is that the colonic tube "swims" around the bends. Therefore, it can only be properly inserted into a colon already full of water. NEVER INSERT IT DRY! If dry, at best it'll fold up like an accordion -- and at worst it'll poke the intestine uncomfortably and dangerously.

Here's how I do it.

First, a preliminary enema (with expulsion) to "clear the way".

Next, I insert just the tip of the colonic tube (no more than a couple of inches) up the ass. Then I turn on the water and wait until at least a quarter of the enema bag is empty. At that point, I insert more of the tube. NEVER FORCE IT! If I encounter ANY resistance, I wait for more of the water to go in, then I try again. If there's still resistance, I pull it out an inch or a few inches, and re-insert it.

A resistance is a probably a sign that the tube is trying to go the wrong way, as it randomly flutters around in the water-filled colon. Pulling it out a bit, and re-inserting, usually fixes the problem. In some cases it takes doing that a few times. But that's part of the fun! It makes a long insertion even longer...

It feels a bit like inserting a key into a lock in the dark. You "wiggle" the key a bit. Likewise, when I insert a colonic tube, I usually go in several inches, then out a bit, then in some more, then out some more...

If you're a beginner, it's best to choose an extremely thin tube -- the kind that's so soft that you could stick it up your eye without hurting yourself! And don't go past 10 inches or so. Wait until you do it a few times and get the hang of it.

The thickness of colonic tubes is measured on a scale called the "French scale". I have no idea why! But "14 Fr" (14 on the French scale) is pretty thin, and therefore soft. "16 Fr" is more substantial, and "18 Fr" even more so. Around "20 Fr" or "22 Fr", the tube starts getting a fair bit stiffer -- and more difficult to insert safely. For beginners, I recommend 14 or 16. The French scale has nothing to do with the length of the tube; it only measures the thickness.

It's common to have little or no sensation of the enema flow when the colonic tube is deep up one's colon. However, the sensation of fullness -- deep inside -- can be absolutely fabulous!

When it's time to remove the tube, do it very slowly. It's a lot smoother to remove it -- and comfortable for the enema receiver -- if the colon is full of water at the time of the removal. In other words, remove the tube and then expel. If you expel before removing the tube, just enjoy re-filling the bowels, and then "reel out" the tube.

(DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor and cannot give medical advice.

Good read. I'm trying to get my 18 inch neoprene colon tube all the way in but I'm running into some huge complications. So much so that I have to withdraw and revert back to the original streem master nozzle.

I'm starting to get the feeling that the streem master can't provide the water pressure necessary to go deep.

I agree and with the use of a silicone tube, I find that the insertion is very easy. The only trouble I have is when putting on the lube higher on the tube past the first few inches, makes it very slippery and it keeps coming out. Therefore I put a piece of tape on my butt and as soon as the tube is in most of the way, I tape it to my thigh.......now pulling it out is fun as I sit on the toilet and let it fall in the bowl as the release is forthcoming. MMMMMMH

Greetings all:--

I am an 86 yr old former user of a colon tube who is driven to offer a word of caution to colon tube users, especially to those who are along in years.

I am a colon cancer survivor. Until a few years ago I was given a colonoscopy every two years or so, and then they were stopped. About six months ago I learned why.

The colonoscopy guys don't want to give colonoscopies to folk in their eighties because of the increased risk of colon perforation. My primary care physician told me he had lost one of his patients that way, and almost lost another.

The doctor performing a colonoscopy can see exactly where the head of his "snake" is, where it is pointed, everything he needs to know. (I have watched my own a couple of times -- fascinating trip.) In spite of all that visibility and control, perforations do occur.

But neither you nor your helper, if any, has anything at all in the way of visibility, nor where the head of your "snake" is pointed, nor what your margin of safety is.

I have a 30 inch colon tube which I have used quite a few times. But no longer. The risk / reward ratio has become terrible.

Very best wishes to all, from Party Pooper Grampa.

My2handsonyou

There is the feeling in the anal area of the colon tube being inserted. The other reason for using them is to fill the colon starting in the ascending colon and pushing everything out with a continous flow of water. I like the feel of a continous flow of water and I also use two bags one with warm water the other cold and alternate between the two.

I agree with what's been written so far. As much as anyone, I very much enjoy the urgent need to "go" that comes from taking an enema. Once you get a colon tube inserted past the rectum and into the colon itself you don't get the normal urgency to expel, but the feeling of inserting and especially withdrawing the colon tube is awesome as is the incredible feeling of fullness one gets from using a colon tube. You can take a LOT of water with a colon tube much more easily than with a shorter nozzle.

I'd read somewhere though that a thicker tube is better for beginners because the insertion pressure at the tip is lower with the bigger cross-section of a thicker tube - think of pushing down on your palm with a wooden dowel vs. a push-pin. It's definitely trickier to work a thicker tube past the twists and turns of the lower bowel though and requires the bowel to be more full of water for things to go smoothly. Bottom line though is NEVER force the tube in! As Andre says, pull it back, twist it a bit, add more water, but never push hard. If you're doing it right, it should slide in almost effortlessly. One thing I've found that helps sometimes is contracting and relaxing the rectum several times - think of "pulling" the tube in using your anal sphincter muscles.

So still experimenting here. I've got a different but related question. I have a friend that has gone beyond the joy of colon tubes and wants to play with anal dildos. I've looked at some online movies and it is amazing what some seem to be able to insert in length and width. Some have easily taken 8" by 1.5" easily. But looking at pictures of the shape of the rectum and its twists I'm wondering about the worry of perforation. I'm guessing if the person is young, healthy, and very well lubed and you insert very slowly that the large intestine conforms to the shape of the soft object. Any informed knowledge/experience would be appreciated.

I bought a colon tube french scale a couple of years ago, just to fulfill the collection, and experience it. I find I have used it infrequently throughout the years, usually prefering other means. However, on second thought, I think I will do another investigation tonight. I know you need to be cleaned out well before hand. My double balloon nozzle just died, so maybe it's time to use the colon tube more. I've been able to get it in far, but sometimes I think it needs a little more insertion guidance, so it doesn't fold back on itself.

Interesting subject. Something that I have not seen posted yet (unless I missed it) is what is generally the best position for a person to be in to receive a colon tube?

Assuming of course that you have someone else inserting the tube, I am thinking that knee-chest would be the best option... At least I think that it would be for myself, if I was getting the tube.

I've heard and seen pictures of the recipient getting the tube in the left-side position. Does the person usually stay in that position throughout the procedure, or do they get moved around (onto their back next; then right-side; possibly knee-chest) also?

I am thinking that in the knee-chest position the colon may tend to hang more "loosely" (for lack of better terminology) perhaps, and even allow for a little easier "wiggle" by the recipient if necessary?

I couldn't fathom getting the entire length in as easily if the entire insertion was performed while I was on my back unless I had my knees bent, feet propped up or suspended, and perhaps a small pillow or something just under my rear while spreading and holding my cheeks apart for the giver... Which would kind of be like an "inverted" knee-chest position, I guess.

Maybe "all of the above" are okay? I'd love to hear some thoughts on this from some of the experts 😉 .

Thanks, that is the best description on using one of the long tubes I have ever heard. I haven't had much luck myself, as the tube keeps getting stuck or turned around but I will try you careful method.

I've concluded that there are vast anatomical differences from person to person which affect the ease or difficulty of insertion of a colon tube. Even the most skilled and experienced of my enema givers has never succeeded in advancing the tube more than 12 inches into my bottom. It just won't go further, regardless of position, prior emptying, trial and error, etc. Great care has always been taken, however, not to force it. That it should never be forced is the best advice I can give.

Having someone give me a colon tube high enema is probably my favorite for both the physical and psychological reasons. Physically, the sensation of feeling the tube pass over my prostate as it's slid in in very pleasant, plus, when water enters the transverse colon and beyond, the urge to expel is much less, so it's easy to get a complete cleanse. Psychologically, being completely naked on elbows and knees, knees spread slightly butt in the air, and having a female penetrate me so deeply causes me to get an intense erection. To me, this is ultimate surrender and submission of the male to the female.

My mother started giving me my enemas using a colon tube when I was 14. She believed an "enema series" every three or four months was a healthy habit to get into, and she took great care to keep these sessions from being unpleasant.

The dangers inherit in insertion of colon tubes have been mentioned before but deserve a reminder. This procedure can cause severe internal injury which requires immediate surgery and usually a prolonged period of heavy duty IV antibiotics.

Don't even think of doing this unless you get training from an experienced person!

I find this procedure to be potentially a dangerous one for the novice I would not advise this just my 2 cents

I have often wondered if anyone in this forum or others maybe came across a old nursing manual that would have detail instructions for using a colon tube.I had some older nursing books but they would have enema procedure and douching instruction only.

Got lucky and found 5 colon tubes (three sizes) at a feed & sundry store going out of business along with a old Higginson enema syringe and a box full of old douche and enema nozzles.If anyone has a Doctors or Nursing manual it would be greatly appreciated by me and maybe others. Thanks !

As a fairly regular user of colon tubes I can tell you that on your back with your bottom on a pillow or other support to elevate your hips is usually the best way for succesfull insertion.( Not that it isn't fun to attempt other positions!) Insert 3 or 4 inches and start the enema before you continue SLOWLY.

At any resistance you will need to backtrack a couple inches before trying to insert again,... keep in mind that you might not get past this point and will have to stop there. Be patient,... go slow,... do not force! Sometimes you can shift your position and massage your belly and get the tube in further, but not always. Be content to stop there and take your enema.

I'm not sure how well the new silicone tubes take a corner, but keep in mind that in the older style, the tube can kink back (in the larger diameters), even if you get the tube inserted all the way it might get stuck inside you as you try to take it out. This has happened to me, (you can read my post about it), all turned out ok, but scary! Be careful, a perforated bowel is no joke, and who wants a trip to the emergency room? I suggest finding someone with experience doing these, or someone with a medical background to play with.

That being said, I love the sensation of a colon tube! Nothing like the feeling and mental image of the long tube being inserted and the water being injected deeply inside me. Of course, I'm happy to return in kind.

I always use my colon tube. I have done it enough where I can now get all 30" in. It definitely takes patience!!!! But by using it, I can take 3 qts before getting the urge to expel. It has taken me about a year to learn the mastery of getting it all the way in. So yes, take it SLOW, be patient, and stay safe! Once you learn the patience aspect of it, it will come to you like second nature!

The safety of the insertion depends upon a series of factors. Experience, colon tube: material, diameter and length. Consider if you are constipated. A high fibre diet helps the insertion of the colon tube because the faeces are softer. Silicon tubes are my favourite and I have tested on myself that I feel comfortable to insert a 40Fr., 32" inches long maximum. You must also consider, to give yourself, shallow enemas to release the hard mass of faeces before inserting deeper the remaining length.

The other part that comes into account is the liquid that you plan to use; might be a solution of: Castile soap, milk, coffee or camomile. It needs to be at a comfortable temperature( for my pleasure) not higher than 108F neither lower than 85F. It obviously, can vary from one individual to another. You are ready to receive your enema. The best thing, is having someone else to administer it to you; because the best anatomical position is laying on your left hip, horizontally set with your left leg completely extended and your right leg drawn up as it will allow you to feel relaxed and ready be filled in.

Remember to remove your pillow. Your head, must lay lower on the mattress.This position, will allow the fat tract of the intestine to be elongated at its maximum without bent, have the colon tube lubricated with Vaseline oil at first. Allow the liquid, to flow out of the tube till you feel it is warm. You start inserting the colon tube inside you, pointing out toward your navel slightly. The technique, to insert a colon tube all the way, is synchronized, with the strength of the liquid flowing inside you and how fast you can insert the tube.

Keep in mind, that a colon needs to be filled with liquid. It will enlarge its diameter, to allow a deeper insertion of the tube. Once you have initiated the operation, you need to breathe deeply, with your open mouth only. It will allow the liquid, to flow inside you better, without giving you the an uncomfortable blowing up sensation. The insertion of the colon tube, can be done smoothly and at a constant rate. Remember, that everybody inside is different. You and you only you will know your limits and tolerance. I met women, that would take 15" inches of colon tube straight before feeling the point where their colon would start turning and of course the tube itself. Play nicely and safely, do not rush things just because you feel horny.

From a safety point of view, the fatter (bigger) and rounder the tip of the colon tube is, the less chance there will be of gut perforation. It's a simple physics principle - the bigger the surface contact area, the lower and more distributed the pressure will be with a lesser change of damage. For instance, inserting a long flexible 1-inch (or bigger) diameter silicone dildo into the colon will have a far less potential to cause damage than a thin, stiff colon tube. Go figure.

I have devised my own super-safe colon tube which consists of a length of thick-walled latex tubing (VERY flexible, but doesn't kink easily or close up when sharply bent). The tubing is a little more than 1/2-inch in diameter, and a moulded, smooth, round tip is securely affixed at the front end (approx 1-inch diameter). The insertable length of the tube is about 20 inches. It goes in effortlessly without much water in the colon, whereas I could never get anything else past 7" or so previously.

At the other end the tube passes through an egg-shaped, 1 1/2-inch moulded retention ball, which I insert past the sphincter to keep the tube from slipping out or leaking. Really awesome, with a deep and satisfying cleanout.

Thanks for the great Information

Thanks for the tip, I too found that tip true, but also the hardness of a colon tube needs to be considered as well

Hi folks

I have a 24f foley cath that I use as as"semi" colon tube Lol

As with other male caths it is 16 in long. As I would have to have a colon tube pass customs, I worry so 16 in it is

It would be a good thing to read all of the entries in this series before doing your first time with a colon tube. Even people who have long experience can get knowledge and enjoyment from reading them.

hankb

After reading azdiane's blog about her hubby perforating his sigmoid at age 71-72 with a colon tube, I have become very reluctant to use my 3 tubes. I suspect that prevalence of diverticula increases with age and a thin colon tube can rupture one of these easily. I don't want another bowel resection, or a temporary colostomy. I also don't want any insurance, or government bureaucrat reading about my personal habits. Even though I no longer have a sigmoid (removed for cancer), I still worry about causing possible damage up in the descending colon.

I like to start with 30 or 40 cc coconut oil squirted up inside, followed by some water while still standing. In my mind the floating oil will rise above the water and add good lube inside to the whole experiment. All the advice given meets my experience except with pre-cleaning prep-enema. Using a half inch thick silicone tube with 1/8 inch thick walls and a button plug in the end of the tube that is 1/16 inch wider than the tube. Optimal health does not offer these any more. You should ask them for one any way, by e-mail, I think. I cut their prefixed tip off and applied 8 tiny holes with a leather punch. It gives a very fine radial spray this way.

If I do a prep enema, It will be very brief. I have found my colon is more happy to receive its visitor if it has not had to deal with a big water load already. My colon really enjoys the fine spray as the tip bobs about on its way in. Too much pressure from too much water and it will clamp down on the tip or just in front of the tip and refuse to let it in anymore. Sometimes I can relax from all the excitement and massage the restriction and it will change its attitude to a more welcome one. But sometimes not, and as the fella says, just let it have its own way and feed it more happy juice of soda-salt water. The only two oils I have taken on in prep are olive and coconut, with coconut being my new favorite. Though, I don't always squirt a prep oil first, depending on the time I have for toying around.

I have heard of someone near melting a candle and slipping it in to cool with a bit of cool water to help it setup. Then retracting the candle with a notch in the base marking forward or 12:00 position. I want to do this, but have not gotten around to it. With like a 12 inch candle, it should give a good idea of the real set and direction of the curves just inside there. I have heard it is a very winding path and some of the pictures bear this out even showing a slight turn to your right before turning down and to the left, and back up again. My colon tube has a gentle curve to it, which I try to use to steer it around the 4 main curves. I believe them to be: a little left, Right, Left, left, & right. I prefer a little water for opening the way for it to swim through. But the pros use air. Sometime a little air is handy in discovering the exact layout of your colon. The Air with water will give a sloshing sound as you rub around on your gut's length, giving you a better idea of just where it travels or lies with in you. It seems to me that the umbilical ligament serves as support to the transverse colon. See what you can discover on that notion. I was surprised and pleased to understand that this part was still functional and vital to the whole.

By the way, do you know where the umbilical ligament goes to? It is very secure in its mooring. The point to where it is attached is where you began to develop as a fetus, after you were a zygote.

I'm with Jimmyt--I worry a lot more about gut perforation than I used to. I don't want a colostomy one bit. Remember that the colon is not covered in muscle as the small bowel is. It is potentially very fragile and diverticulae are a weak point. Also I would be concerned about losing a rectal foreign body. I take them out by the score in the ER. Play safe as Debgirl says!

I regularly take enemas using a 48 inch long colon tube fully inserted. It's important to be really lubricated and go slow.

I find that if I put in about a quart, my colon tube will be able to make it around the bends and go in its full length.

hankb

Thanks for all the ideas in this thread. I've tried the colon tubes before but didn't get very far. I'll try again with a little more patience and now more knowledge.

It's important to go slow, a lot of lubricant, and allowing a little water in at intervals as you insert the colon tube allows for a much easier insertion!!!