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which side do youlay on when using enema

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 1/4/2008 2:31 PM (GMT 0)
i don't remember which side the dr said to lay on when using enema, i think she said prop pillows under your right side, that would lean you to the left. any input?thanks
Posted 1/4/2008 2:33 PM (GMT 0)
Left side. That helps the fluid get past the sigmoid curve, and also helps keep the fluid in if you stay on that side for a time.
Posted 1/4/2008 3:08 PM (GMT 0)
Always start out on your left side. You can prop pillows under your hip to invert your pelvis and help the enema flow into the colon. You can also use abdominal massage - up the left side, across the transverse and down the right side - to help move the enema contents along.
Posted 1/4/2008 3:34 PM (GMT 0)
Lie on left side. The preferred position is essentially the same one used for colonoscopy & should appear in diagram on the enema package insert. (Keep left leg straight & bend right leg slightly & cross over left-- right knee can touch bed, helping to keep the body stabile.) It is recommended to maintain this position for half an hour-- to give the liquid time to diffuse to the sigmoid colon. / Old Hat (nearly 30 yrs with left-sided UC ... [etc.])

Posted 1/4/2008 7:43 PM (GMT 0)
left side and also I found pointing it towards my uterus slightly instead of straight helped get in in much easier, just a slight tilt made all the difference for me.
Posted 1/4/2008 10:56 PM (GMT 0)
There was a discussion on here recently about how it can be uncomfortable to lie on your left side. I think a bunch of us said that we felt our insides rumble and then the urge to go to the bathroom. I'm just mentioning that because laying on your left side IS exactly what you should do after the enema but it can be a bit difficult sometimes.

If it starts to seem impossible, I tilt a little back toward the right. I figure it's better than just giving up and running to the bathroom.
Posted 1/4/2008 11:15 PM (GMT 0)
You can also lie on your stomach with your bum in the air. Not a very dignified position, but very effective.
Posted 1/4/2008 11:29 PM (GMT 0)
Who would want to stay in that position for half an hour? That's the way they used to do the old rigid sigmoidoscope exams. / Old Hat
Posted 1/5/2008 5:00 AM (GMT 0)
Darlin', no one would want to, but some people seemed to be saying they have trouble lying on their left sides. I have seen people for whom this alternative is more comfortable. And I've assisted with quite a few of those horrendous old sigmoidoscopies. So glad the flexible endoscope was developed before I came down with UC!
Posted 1/5/2008 12:38 PM (GMT 0)
Lying on the left side is the correct method of using an enema. BUt if you are having trouble doing this or pain try lying on your back or your right side. The main thing is to ensure that the enema stays in.
Hope this helps
Marty
Posted 1/5/2008 5:32 PM (GMT 0)
I second fatboyslim's recommendation. That's the best way to keep in enema if/when left-side pain is forcing you to expel it-- usually at the beginning of treatment. Take some deep breaths & roll over onto your back, then onto right side if back feels problematic. / Old Hat
Posted 1/5/2008 8:43 PM (GMT 0)
Actually, the enemas don't have to go higher than the sigmoid..that's what oral meds are for...

Ditto Marty....the point is to have it stay in.

My inflammation is very low and only lay on the left side for a short time (can't see the TV on my left side..lol!)....I can tell from bms it's gotten to the sigmoid anyway.

Find whatever position is easiest to keep it in. Having rectal meds is better than no rectal meds.

quincy
Posted 1/5/2008 9:08 PM (GMT 0)
You can't see the TV? Quincy, I'm shocked by this true confession! (Heeheehee.) / Old Hat
Posted 1/6/2008 12:17 AM (GMT 0)
I always had to lie on my left side for at least an hour or the urge to go would get too strong. Then the mesalamine made my D worse anyway, so that was the end of Rowasa for me.
Posted 1/6/2008 6:18 AM (GMT 0)

Old Hat said...
You can't see the TV? Quincy, I'm shocked by this true confession! (Heeheehee.) / Old Hat

sigh...sad but true..lol!

q

Posted 1/6/2008 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
lol, Quincy, me too, I can only see the tv laying on my right side, so then I flipped around so my head was at the end of the bed where my feet usually are so I could see it..........but could not do that all the time, husband's feet are quite smelly and did not want to fall asleep and wake up to that = )
Posted 1/6/2008 5:56 PM (GMT 0)
Quincy & Beth75: what about recruiting hubby to move either TV or bed for better viewing options? (Heh, heh.) / Old Hat
Posted 1/6/2008 6:13 PM (GMT 0)
Beth..lol! not the best position for sure! You'll have to get him to try Gehwol foot products.

OH...good idea, but wouldn't work in our room. Maybe if we eventually get a flat screen we'll put it on the wall in a more central positon. The ther option is to just listen for half an hour..but what's the fun in that? ;-)

quincy
Posted 1/6/2008 6:23 PM (GMT 0)
I guess I am odd man out here. I couldn't put it in on my side or stomach, so i actually do it standing up. Very easy and I can reach properly. Then I just go lie down. I never seem to have any trouble retaining it either. I just insert, squeeze the meds in, and then go upstairs to bed and sleep for the night. Am I perhaps not getting the meds far enough in to make it stay? What if i walk around on my hands a bit before bed? (obviously the last question is a joke ;))
Posted 1/6/2008 6:25 PM (GMT 0)
Bob...whatever works.

q
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