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Enema administration issue

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Posted 12/16/2009 7:52 PM (GMT 0)
I just got off the phone with my GI because I am mildly flaring - morning cramps, solid bm's to D 5-6 times in the morning, bright red blood (flare or hemmies, I don't know).  He wants me to up my Bentyl to 2 in the morning instead of the 1 that I have been taking.  Plus I'm to start on Colocort enemas for 21 days and then see him in 2 weeks.  But here is where I am going to have an issue.  I went to my primary doc yesterday and was diagnosed with a rotator cuff syndrome in my left shoulder (starting physical therapy tomorrow).  I can not lie on my left side (because it hurts) so how am I going to administer the enema correctly?  I have never administered an enema while lying on my right side so would me lying on my right side still have the same effect as lying on my left?
Posted 12/16/2009 8:09 PM (GMT 0)
I'd go rear up in air to administer, then flip around completely on back with some pillows underneath the pelvis. Should be fine. Squeeze enema on breathing out.
Posted 12/16/2009 8:10 PM (GMT 0)
I asked a similar question a couple days ago.

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=38&m=1666971
Posted 12/16/2009 8:16 PM (GMT 0)
I second the recommendation of putting it in with your knees tucked up under you and your butt in the air. I know it's one of the positions suggested on my enema insert.
Posted 12/16/2009 8:56 PM (GMT 0)
I have also done them lying on the floor, on my back, with my bottom end elevated by one of those "read in bed" bolster pillows (the big triangular things with arms). I've tried to stay put at least 10 min. before climbing into bed.

The only thing about that is if the weather is chilly, it ain't so pleasant there on the floor.....
Posted 12/16/2009 8:59 PM (GMT 0)
I never stay on the bathroom floor after I do one. I mean, it's not comfy, it's not the cleanest place on earth, and I want to wash my hands! So I hop up, wash my hands, and get in bed quickly. My GI said it was ok to do that.
Posted 12/16/2009 9:03 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks I will try that :)
Posted 12/16/2009 9:07 PM (GMT 0)

Well, I am probably the only one but I have to do mine on the toilet.  Being sure to get all the air out - I did ok - many months ago but I also went right to bed and laid on left side.  Since you can't lay on left side maybe back would be best.  I use the Cortofoam now because it stays in better using the toilet method.  I still was able to keep most of enemas in but they did nothing for me and the steroid enemas irritate everything down there!

ElaineNY

Posted 12/16/2009 9:19 PM (GMT 0)
Can you lay on your left with your left elbow in a stack of pillows and your head resting against your hand? Or does the shoulder hurt that way too? That's the way I usually try to administer enemas. I need to elevate my head, otherwise I cannot hold the liquid in. Or lounge in position Cleopatra lounged into her seat while eating grapes LOL. That might work. Just my two cents.

My husband had big rotator cuff probs after one of our dogs unexpectantly janked around on the leash, so I have an idea of the pain you are going through. Hope you feel better soon.
Posted 12/16/2009 9:40 PM (GMT 0)
Sherry, I'm with you on the sore shoulder. You might try using a yoga mat, then putting a support under your head and neck. That might take enough of the pressure off the shoulder if the other positions don't work for you. The knee-chest with your butt in the air will probably be the easiest for you to reach.
Posted 12/16/2009 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
Very good ideas...I just have to be careful too of how far I elevate my head while on my side because I have neck issues (yeah I'm thinking about trading my body in for a new and improved model). I will find SOME sort of position to be in for this to work! lol I can't start tonight because the pharmacy had to order them so tomorrow I get to experiment!
Posted 12/17/2009 1:28 AM (GMT 0)
I also agree with Dr-A!
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