*I’m adding a new category to my blog. It’s “How To:” Adding my personal insights into processes inherent in dealing with physical and emotional birth trauma may prove beneficial to my readers.
Since I have been diagnosed with fecal incontinence, I have become quite proficient in many areas related to the incontinence, from the practicalities of buying the right protective undergarments to the preparing for the invasive and uncomfortable testing that is often a necessity to check rectal function.
One thing I have become a “pro” at is giving myself an enema. Something, quite frankly, I didn’t expect to do as much as I needed to do before I turned 30 years old.
Understandably, before undergoing medical tests and physical check-ups of your rectum, your rectal surgeon may request that you cleanse your colon in order to get an accurate read on your rectal function. The following is a how to list I created that I wish I had been able to peruse prior to giving myself my first enema, because, let’s face it, the scant directions on those enema bottles provide only the barest of directives.
-Giving Yourself an Enema-
compiled by Lauren at peaceoutofpieces.com
It’s not pleasant, but almost always necessary, to give yourself an enema prior to any rectal exam or test. You’ll be advised of this request when setting up your appointment. Sometimes, two enemas are suggested. Here’s how to get through it—it’s a process that has worked for me:
- Have someone else buy it if it is a trigger for you. They are cheap, and often come in two-packs.
- Have someone else there that is available to watch your child while you are administering your enema. You need to be able to focus on you.
- Find a quiet place—for me it’s my bed in my bedroom with the door closed.
- Make sure that place is located by a bathroom.
- Place a towel where you will be laying and have something to read close by.
- Administer the enema according to the directions on the package.
- While you are waiting, read whatever you have selected.
- When you strongly feel the urge to defecate, use the towel to protect yourself from having an accident on the floor as you go to the bathroom.
- Let it go in the toilet. It will come in waves so wait a while.
- Put on some sort of protection because you will continue leaking while going to your appointment. If possible, have someone accompany you.
Thanks for reading,
Lauren
Image may be NSFW.
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Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
