Enemas

The most important thing, IMO, is to RELAX. RELAX, RELAX, RELAX. I've never really found the enemas to be uncomfortable or honestly, all that icky. I was actually happy to start them, though, because I was convinced (probably b/c of quincy!) that they were going to help me. I honestly think that a lot of people make them out to be a lot bigger deal than they really are!

Squeeze the air out of the top of the bottle.

Add extra lubricant (I use vaseline) to the tip of the enema and to your anus.

You could consider just using half of the bottle the first night to see how it goes, but since you don't have diarrhea and all, you'll probably be ok with the whole thing.

Some people warm the liquid up under some warm water, but I've never had to do that.

I always lay on an old towel (to catch any drips) on the bathroom floor to do it, then hop up, wash my hands, and get in bed. I know a lot of people do it in bed, but I don't want to run the risk of ruining my bedding and I want to wash my hands.

1.) Warm the enema up to body temperature before using it. I recommend putting the bottle in your armpit for a few minutes to get it up to body temp.
2.) Add a little vaseline to the tip of the enema.
3.) Squeeze all of the air out of the bottle before using it.
4.) You are going to want to be close to the toilet when administering the enema and not stray far for a few minutes. As you've never done it before there is some good probability you may not be able to retain the full amount for long.
5.) It is best if you can take the enema after a poop as you are more likely to be emptied out.
6.) Generally, they recommend two poses for administering the enema which should be described on your paperwork that comes with it.

Although, I find it is easier to start by sitting on the toilet. I lean forward, bend my knees, put one hand and my feet on the floor, and put my butt in the air above the toilet bowl (haha think football players in a line preparing for the start of a new play). And then I insert the enema and squeeze gently, and slowly. I usually put half the enema in. And hold the position for a couple minutes to make sure nothing comes up. You are going to have a sensation to evacuate it but ignore it for a little bit and it should go away. Worst case is if you cannot hold the liquid in all you gotta do is sit on the toilet and evacuate it. If things are good and settled I take the rest of the enema and wait another minute to make sure it sits well. You can then go right to bed. If you aren't going straight to bed, then just lay on your left side on the floor for about 20-30 minutes before getting up. That gives the enema enough time to soak into your system and you can do whatever before retiring for the night. It is going to take time, and practice to hold all of the liquid in. It can be frustrating at first but as long as some of it stays in, then you are doing well. The next time, you can probably hold in more.

Ok. I'll be picking up the prescription next week so I will give an update once I start to use! Thank you for your responses. It's helped alot.

What enemas will you be getting?

Have they helped? heck yeah, I wouldn't risk ridicule from some because they haven't.

q

Quincy: I will know next week when I pick them up at the drugstore.


The only symptoms I have is the blood when pushing so I'm hoping the enemas will stop that.

They have worked big time! Used both mesalamine and hydrocort . I even used them together . I've never had a problem holding them in. Very easy to use. I switch off now between mesalamine enemas and canasa supp. My "arsenal " is fully stocked.

LOL...keep us posted!

q

Ok, I got the enemas. I want to start them this weekend. I have another question. For the past three days, I have had almost no blood at all. Should I still use the enemas? And could it be that the VSL is kicking in?  Could it be that after almost a year of flaring,  I'm almost in remission?

Use them nightly. No... blood isn't the only indicator of flaring.

q

looking forward to it.

q