gross question

I was given instructions to give myself a Fleet enema. That's all my instructions said. Everyone here seems to know so much more than I do about all of this stuff. I feel like such a ding-bat! I've never had an enema and I'm a little freaked out about it. What am I supposed to get? Are there different kinds? I'm more worried about this than I am about the surgery.

Fleet enemas come in a box like a douche. Look in the drug store or Walmart near where the laxatives are located.

Reading the instructions is the worse part, to me! I expect that you'll be glad it isn't a chore. Just one of those things that have to be done.

Good luck!

Fleet is the brand name. Last time I looked, they came in a green and white box, but they have the instructions on the box. It would probably be good for you to get a two pack...just in case you mess up the first one...like I did...but you really really don't want to know how that story played out.

I was in your shoes a few days ago. Didn't know a thing about them, and was a tad apprehensive. Had to have pre-op lower GI and iodine study today. (Yuck-I feel like my veins are filled with salt.) It's a lot easier than I thought it would be. I warmed the bottle up a little under running water, but was careful not to get it hot-just above room temp. Told my husband to be within shrieking distance if I needed help. Put a large, old towel on the floor of the bathroom and followed the directions. It wasn't as uncomfortable or "dramatic" as I thought it would be. I'm sure you'll do fine!

Don't worry about the enema, it really is not as bad as it seems. Remember that you don't have to empty all of the liquid in the bottle, just as much as possible. Since this is your first one I would suggest laying on the bathroom floor. As soon as you get a strong urge to go just get up a sit on the toilet. Don't be alarmed at how fast all the water and such comes out is natural. I have been having to take these and other horrible things on and off since I was sixteen and diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Best of luck to you.

Angela
TAH BSO
Endo
Cervical dysplasia
Fibroids
Lots of pain

Remember that there are 2 types of Fleet enema- regular and oil retention enema-
Make sure you get the correct one- usually pre-op it is the regular one.

What for?

What barbaric physicians out there are still prescribing these to people who could otherwise take something orally?

Personally, I'd ask if I could use another type of bowel prep.

Thanks everyone! My pre-op appt. is on Thursday. I'll ask then about another kind of bowl prep. but if I do have to do the yucky-butt kind I feel so much better about it now. Thanks again!

I have had both kinds of bowel prep and would choose the enema any day over the oral. Trying to drink that stuff was AWFUL!! I was gagging over the sink trying not to throw up, plus I had to stay at home by the potty all day. For my TAH I did 1 enema 2hours before bed and 1 enema 1 hour before bedtime. It was embarrasing at first and wasnt sure what to expect. I just laid a towel on the bathroom floor with a book, and read until I had to go. Of course this is me....everyone is different, so please do what you think is best for you.
Good luck
chele

If you have hemorrhoids I suggest the mineral oil enema, the saline in the regular type really burns if your hemorrhoids are acting up!

Also get some gentle wipes, for adults or babies. It just feels better.


--No hysterectomy yet, but I've had a partial colectomy and hemorrhoidectomy--hysterectomy in July--gotta love genetics!