Enemas and Colonics
for IBS-C sufferers
Enemas are sometimes used by people who suffer from IBS-C, which is Irritable Bowel Syndrome where the primary symptom is constipation.Some people may try laxatives, others who suffer from it more severely, may use them. They may also be used by some sufferers as a ' safety measure ' to flush themselves out - literally - before a journey, meeting, etc. They use water or other liquids and solutions to cleanse the lower colon via injection into the rectum. They can be bought from online retailers or department stores, or, in the UK asked for at a pharmacy. They can also be performed in hospital by a medical person.
Home Kits
Those who use them at home follow a relatively simple procedure, lying on their right side ( due to the loop of the intestine ) and using a tube attached to a bag of solution which is injected into the rectum.After about five minutes, the water and waste is expelled, so it is important that the person have access to a bathroom. The action of the water, or solution ( sometimes coffee, a mild soapy solution, even molasses and milk if administered in hospital ) will soften hard, impacted stools and relieve constipation. Although normally used solely for severe constipation, some people will use them as a pre-emptive measure against frequent bowel movement. By cleaning themselves out, they hope to ensure that they will not need to use the bathroom for some hours.
Frequency
They are very effective, but should not be used too frequently unless advised by a doctor, since the action of the fluid injected into the colon with also flush out the electrolytes in the body and with too much usage the muscles will actually grow ' lazy ' making the natural expelling of faecal matter more difficult. Those people who use them at home, must follow the instructions carefully. One of our friends is an Operating Room nurse in Canada, however prior to that she has nursed in other capacities and seen them administrated in the course of her work.
The following link will take you to the IBS stories page, and an article Bayley Jackson has kindly written describing them from a medical viewpoint.
Colonics
What is Colonic Irrigation?Colonic Irrigation is so called since the movement of warm, sterile water actually does irrigate part of the digestive system, first the colon and then moving into the intestines. The waste matter is washed away, through a tube inserted into the rectum. While people suffering from constipation may find this beneficial, others will undergo the procedure simply to feel cleansed and freshened. Unlike an enema, the waste is cleaned out during the colonic irrigation. This is always performed by a trained practitioner who may also use gentle
massage
techniques. While there is some discomfort associated with colonic irrigation, it is not painful. Colonics for IBS should not be considered an instant cure as there are too many factors associated with the syndrome, but some people find it helpful, especially those suffering constipation. If you decide to try colonic irrigation, look for a local clinic which employs trained practitioners.
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