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Rowasa enemas

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Posted 8/15/2012 1:53 PM (GMT 0)
cry  So last night I used my first rowasa enema before bed.  It was AWFUL!!!  My GI wants me to go to sleep with it in me, but its just impossible.  I could only hold it in for literally just a few minutes- at best.  Is something wrong with me?  I do not have my colon/lg intestine anymore, and my internal j-pouch fills up quickly.  Even just with eating and drinking I can feel it get full.  Anyone have any tips?  Oh, and it burns so bad once inside...BAD!  I was in tears, and I like to think I can handle a pretty good amount of pain. Any advice would be greatly appreciated:)

Thanks!!!

Posted 8/15/2012 2:52 PM (GMT 0)
krw, I don't have any idea how the retention enemas are supposed to work with a j-pouch.  Did your GI discuss with you any issues you might expect with this?  I do know that the enemas come in different sizes, so perhaps you can try a smaller one (like a 1 g enema instead of the 4 g enema).

Another helpful hint that I got from the UC forum is to squeeze all of the air out of the enema bottle before you insert the tip.  That way you're just getting enema, no gas.  And make sure, if you can, that you have emptied your bowels before using the enema.  I use mine just before bed, and then go lay down on my left side for at least 15 minutes to let everything settle down.  After that I'm fine.

Posted 8/15/2012 3:05 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Kazbern! I didn't know they made a 1g, I will have to ask him about that. I am going to try again tonight, then I will call tomorrow if I have the same problem. Plus a "normal" night for me is getting up on average 4 times a night to empty my bowels, so I can't understand how this med will work going to the bathroom all the time. Years ago, before my surgery, I remember using foam enemas...anyone familiar with these? I have no idea if they are the same thing, the mesalamine, but would love to hear if anyone has tried it. Like I said, tomorrow I will be calling my GI if things don't go better tonight. I am just soooooooo ready to feel better.
Posted 8/15/2012 4:29 PM (GMT 0)
You could also just use half the bottle. That would give you the smaller amount and would still be helpful. Yes there are foam enemas and suppositories too. If you continue to have problems ask for one of them and that may be better. But the thing that bothers me the most is that you said it burns. I've never had it burn but I don't have a jpouch.
Posted 8/16/2012 1:43 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for replying Sheri. I have put a call in to my dr this morning. Last night was the same as the night before...this liquid is not for me:(
Posted 8/19/2012 12:08 AM (GMT 0)
It took me awhile, but I finally got used to it. Now I can hold it in no problem, but it was hard at first. It seems you might do better on the foam though!
Posted 8/19/2012 1:50 AM (GMT 0)
Do you lubricate the tip of the enema before inserting it? I put k-y jelly and put in my anus a lot of lidocaine to be able to insert it. I don't have a j-pouch too but have troubles myself retaining the enema. Try as was suggested to take half the amount and then increase it whenever you can. Also another advice I learnt from other fellows is to take the enema very slowly and when I feel I can't continue coz of severe cramps, I keep holding it, take a deep breath and then continue squeezing the enema. I do repeat this several times until I finish it. As I'm now in a flare up, I prefer steroid enemas over the mesalamine ones. Can you take steroid enemas?
Hope you feel better soon:)
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