You Sisters Said Anything Goes

I had my pre-op yesterday (still have hospital blood work stuff to do) and found out that I have to do a fleet enema the night before op. I'm thinkin' yuck, ouch, yuck and am quite frankly more nervous about that than the actual surgery.

I've never done such a thing before - is it as bad as I think it will be? Should I buy two in case I don't get it right the first time? Any other sisters out there who had to do this for the first time pre-hyst? Why are they leaving it up to me instead of having a qualified medical person do this? (I don't know, maybe that would be worse.)

I realize that this is kind of an indelicate subject, but who better to ask than the pros?

Thanks.

Hoping I can handle the truth,
Cecee

Hey Cecee...

My DR also does the fleet "thing"...I said "NO Thanks" and he said I can use any method I want...as long as I'm cleaned out! So aks your DR about an alternate method...you could use the "drink", you drink the concoction and a while later your bum will be glued to the toilet! You could take a strong laxative, with the same results! Ask your DR! Enemas are soo YUCK!

I had to do a fleets the nite before surgery. It was my first one and really wasn't that bad. I know it sounds really yucky, and I sure don't want to do it again! But, just letting you know that it's not bad, in my opinion.

Good luck! Best wishes are with you

Pam

Hi, Cecee,

Luckily the Fleet's enema holds a very small amount of liquid, and is simple to administer. Just read the instructions, and you'll do fine. No, it's not fun, but you can do it. Really!

Best wishes,
Helen

I had to do an enema for my laparascopy and it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be! I was scared to death to do it, as well, and messed up the first time (didn't get enough liquid in--blush), but was fine the second time. Went to the bathroom like once, and that was it! I would much rather (if I HAD to choose) do an enema than the drinking, on the toilet all night, bowel prep!

As a side note, I find out if I'll have to do one tomorrow--guessing I will...joy.

I would go for the enema if I had the choice again.
I drank the go-lytley stuff and it was not much fun. I had to drink about a gallon of it and then stay close to the bathroom. The whole process took about 8 hours! I think the enema sounds much easier and quicker.

I agree - the Fleet enema wasn't so bad - I've had to do them for all my surgeries - It's definately not fun! but very doable and I would choose it again over any of the other methods like suppositories or drinks.

Good Luck

Elaine

When I had my DD 16 years ago, I had a planned C-Section. Right before my epidural, the nurse came in with this 32 ounce container of warm liquid with a hose attached to it. When I asked what that was for she just smiled.

Keeping in mind that I had been constipated for what seemed liked years, I was actually grateful. And can 32 ounces go fast! Whoosh! She told me to wait as long as I could before waddling off to the powder room. Hmm, was 20 seconds long enough?

After about 5 minutes the anesthesiologist starting banging on the door telling me I was done now. No, I am not. Yes, you are. I acquiesce keeping in mind I told him I wasn't done.

So I'm trying to get positioned for the epidural .... I told him I wasn't done. I bet he never rushed anyone again!

Cecee, there is no way I was going to do the fleet thing. If I was told to do it as prep, I was prepared to "forget" claiming . I am the BIGGEST in the world!

I'm positive this is not good advice...I'm sure you can do it..go ahead

Maralyn

Well, you ladies, answered a question I might have been too embarrassed to ask,....... so thank you!
As much as doing the enema sounds awful, it certainly sounds better than enduring HOURS of potty time so I think I'll opt for a Fleets, and as for doing it yourself vs. the doc? How comfy you gonna feel with him coming at you??? ROFL,.... I think I'll go stag on this one, and opt for the privacy of my own home too!

Thanks for helping me make an easy decision, and thanks for someone ELSE bringing this up too!