Fleet Enema question

Ok.. read a lot about those who have to drink the nasty stuff but I need to know something about the Fleet enema. Never had to do one before so not sure what I'm getting myself into. Will I only go once or will I be retained to the bathroon for awhile like the others? How bad is it? I wasn't going to have to do anything until I opened my big mouth so .. argh!!!! Anyway, I'm sure someone out there has had an experience with it so thanks in advance!!
4 more days, 4 more days, 4 more days!

I have to be at the hosp at 8:30 tomorrow and Dr. told me to do HALF a fleet enema in the am. I wonder when I'm supposed to do it...I look forward to the answers others have for your questions, too!

I told the nurse I look forward to this enema...beats the heck outta that jug of YUCK!

Hi Danielle..a fleets enema is a breeze so there is no need to worry. It's not designed to clean the whole colon like the yuck stuff everyone else is talking about. Fleets only facilitate the "tail end" (excuse the pun) of the colon being emptied and I would imagine it's a precautionary thing. I think you're fortunate! Wishing you the best in your upcoming surgery!

Betsy

Hi Danielle,

Yes, you are lucky to only have to do the fleet enema! I didn't have to drink the gross stuff either! I was told to do the enema in the morning (the day prior to surgery) and only drink liquids all day (I could eat Jello though). You could ask your pre-op nurse what time they want you to do the enema. It's easy to do if you follow the instructions carefully. I found that lying down on my left side with my right leg bent worked the easiest. I tried the other positions and it just gave me grief!

You are supposed to hold it in for 2 to 15 minutes...ya right! If you can get to 2 minutes your doing great! hahaha!

Good luck with everything!!

Hi there "only 4 more days to go" Danielle,

I had a fleet enema (nurse inserted it and it was quick and not too yuk) late the night before surgery (I was scheduled for 8am on the dot). I had opened my bowels that day and due to gastric stapling, I only use them 2 - 3 times per week anyway. I was instructed to sit/lay still and try to hold it in for at least 10 mins. She came back 25mins later to ask how I went - told her I hadn't, nor had the inclination About 10 mins after that I decided to sit on the toilet, but all that was expelled was the enema fluid. I did not experience any cramping or feelings of urgency, but have had them in the past and they are over as soon as they begin and are not really a hassle.

These are the gentler of the lower bowel preps - just the holding on can be a bit of a bother. Take a magazine to the toilet with you, as you may not feel empty for a little while - similar to diahrreoa without the pains.

Happy last 4 days to you Hon.

Ooooooooooohhhhhhhhh... sounds so pleasant.. hahahah. Thanks ladies!

I too was totally grossed out at having to do this prior to my LSH on May 23. And I've done the drink thing for a colonoscopy and by far, the enema was so much littlier, and easier! Yes, its' gross, but after sitting on the pot for about 15 minutes, I was done for the night, had a shower, and went to sleep. The next morning I had a small poop, but that was fine. Don't sweat it, it really wasn't bad at all!

Oh you will do fine with the enema, don't worry.
When I spoke with the nurse she laughed because I was excited she told me to use the Fleet enema- rather than the icky stuff.
Laying on your left side and inserting the thing usually works best. Use a little KY on the tip and don't force it. Be sure just to lay on the floor, on your side, until you can't resist the urge to go- then run like crazy to the bathroom.
It is really simple- you will do fine!

My doctor had me drink the yucky lemon stuff AND do the Fleet enema. Took me waaay longer to drink that nasty lemon junk.

You've got it easy it sounds like! I have to do the lemon stuff in green bottle and 2 enemas! Are you kidding me? The nurse said I should plan on staying around the house the day before my surgery since I may have loose stool! YUK!