I remember well, the routines in our household, when one of us kids stayed home sick from school. We knew that staying home would absolutely subject us to a variety of treatment options. The enema was all but assured. In hindsight, I sometimes wonder if the enema was intended as a deterrent for us.
I remember discussing these treatments with my sisters as they got home on those days that I stayed home. They would share their treatments also until we all got older.
When mom had to work, grandma would be available to care for us if we were home. She lived next door. I knew when I told mom I didn't feel good enough to go to school that she would remind me that I would have to do everything I was told in order to get better quickly.
The doctor was sometimes consulted and I often heard one side of the conversation. I was usually allowed to sleep in a bit but knew that I would be awakened when mom or grandma or both were ready to begin treatment. Usually, I was told that the doctor wanted me to have an enema or that the doctor would ask if I had been given a enema yet.
I would have to undress and lay down on a towel in the bath tub. The enema bag was usually filled and ready. I could tell if it was soapy by the odor. If it was soapy, I knew that I was in for an uncomfortable treatment and would be pooping my guts out after.
I didn't stay home very often because I knew an enema was in store for me. It wasn't until a few years later that I came to enjoy the enema. I suppose that my mom must have become aware of my enjoyment and enema administration from her diminished.