Some warnings have been given about the dangers of the excessively large enemas, which have been claimed to have been used by some members of this forum.
Some members who usually use 2 quart enemas, find 3 quarts are difficult to achieve.
Those who appreciate the more effective cleansing which they obtain from a 4 quart enema, are probably in the majority. The classic one gallon enema, is usually taken after two or three smaller enemas, to remove gas and to clear the way for the more complete filling that can be achieved..
From many of the older references from the turn of the century, including the cleansing regimens used by Dr. J.H.Kellogg, high enemas of 4 to 6 quarts, have been the most commonly recommended amounts for chronic constipation. According to Dr. Kellogg 4 to 6 quart enemas will not cause over-distension of the colon. Probably about 70% of the population can safely take these amounts, if the correct precautions are taken, regarding the solutions used, the temperature and the pressure applied.
Here is one warning about excessively large enemas:-
The full capacity of the normal colon and rectum, and the largest enema that can possibly be used is 8 quarts, but this quantity is dangerous because it may rupture the intestines or cause ptosis (dropping of the colon) or paresis (partial paralysis). From Diarrheal, Inflammatory, Obstructive, and Parasitic Diseases of the Colon - Samuel Goodman – 1915.
Apart from the risk of rupturing the colon, the use of ever larger and larger enemas over a long period of time, can cause the development of Acquired Megacolon. This warning has already been given on this Forum.
One or two members of this forum have claimed that they are not worried about whether they have developed Acquired Megacolon or not, in spite of using enemas of up to 8 quarts.
I myself have suffered with IBS, which was diagnosed at the age of 7. I am now over 70 years old. Depending on the severity of my flare-ups, I sometimes have difficulty taking more than 2 or 3 quarts of normal saline. Most of the time I can take 4 quarts, and about 30% of the time I can take 5 quarts, after one smaller enema. I use 4 quart enemas, if possible, three or four times a week, to manage my chronic constipation.
I was in contact with an American woman, who also suffered with IBS, and also experienced chronic constipation. Unfortunately for her she was also diagnosed with Congenital Megacolon (ie. She was born with this condition.) I think it will be instructive if I shared some of details of her treatments, to indicate how this has impacted on her daily life. I will not reveal her name or details of her identity to protect her privacy. I will call her Margaret. Here is Margaret’s Story:-
When I was 20 I was having a lot of trouble with constipation, and went to see the first Doctor. He was a G.P. and gave me an examination and advised me to have two enemas, eat roughage, and drink lots of water.
I didn’t know much about enemas, but my father offered to give them to me.
I was still having problems, so I went back to the Doctor, he gave me another exam, and said he would send me to a specialist, but advised me to have more enemas. The specialist gave me a very intensive check-up, and went deep into my rectum, and then sent me for X-rays. This was the first time then, that he told me of my long colon, and the deep pockets in it.
This Doctor said that I have to have a lot of high enemas, using rectal tubes that I had to purchase, and said that I should easily be able to take 5 quarts after having 4 to 6 enemas, and sent me to a fellow who was to administer them, five in a series, twice a day for two weeks.
I got back to normal, but then about 5 to 6 months later, was hit with severe constipation again.
By this time I had moved, so I went to see another Doctor, who gave me a full physical, ordered more enemas, and sent me to another specialist, who after examining me and looking at some new X-rays, told me again of my long colon and very deep pockets, and told me I had to have a lot of very high enemas, and suggested that since my colon was 15% longer than normal, that if I felt comfortable, that my colon could hold more than 6 quarts, and 7 quarts quite easily, which would be very good for me. But he said only after at least 5 smaller enemas before the larger ones., because of my slim build.
He also sent me to another specialist for a second opinion, which was basically the same, except this Doctor said that since my colon was 20% longer than normal, I should be on a regular very high volume enema series all the time.
I suffer from IBS and constipation, mostly constipation, but for me having multiple high volume enemas, keeps me regular, and has reduced my problems significantly, and they have been a regular part of my life style for the past five years,
At present I am having enema sessions 5 days a week, and every day when I can manage it. These enema sessions are given to me at home by two RN helpers.
I am given a large bulb enema which I hold for 15 mins.
Next a 20 inch colon tube is inserted and I take a 2 quart enema, which I hold as long as I can.
Next a 30 inch colon tube is inserted and I take a 3 quart enema.
Next a 50 inch colon tube is inserted and I take a 4 quart enema.
Next a 65 inch colon tube is inserted and I take a 5 quart enema, then about 5 ¼ quarts, then 5 ½ quarts. After that I try two more enemas to try to reach 6 full quarts. I am successful about 60% of the time taking the 6 quarts. I think that because of my IBS, I am unable to easily reach the 7 quarts which the specialist had estimated, but I will continue trying for more than 6 quarts.
These sessions take a good 10 hours and usually do them on the weekends, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. During the week I can only manage 6 or 7 hours for Tuesday and Wednesday.
Margaret – 2013.
Based on Margaret’s intensive enema sessions 5 days a week, I would not wish this condition on anyone, even for those who enjoy multiple large volume enemas.
It is important to realise that Margaret has a colon that is 15 to 20 % longer than the average colon, so that her longer colon would not become over-distended with the larger enemas. Those who have developed Acquired Megacolon, however, would most likely have a normal length colon which becomes over-distended with very large enemas.
Extra-large enemas, rather than treating chronic constipation, can actually exacerbate chronic constipation as reported by this Doctor:-
One of my cases was chronically constipated at the age of 38. The only pathological condition found was an enormous dilatation of the colon from using two gallons of water as an enema every morning for several years. From Practice of Medicine – Frederick Tick - 1922.
I hope that this is a sobering warning for anyone trying to take 7 or 8 quart enemas.