Question:
This may be a little personal but...

I couldn't find any information on this in the library, but how many of you had an enema while you were still in the hospital. And if your doctor threatens, i.e. suggests, you have one, can you say no?    — Susan L. (posted on August 27, 2002)

August 27, 2002
I actually had something similar, more like a reverse enema my last day there. I had so much gas and was in so much pain, I ASKED for one! It was a relief and I was HAPPY I asked. Pretty much what they do, without being too descriptive - fill you w/warm water and just suck it and all the gas back out! It wasn't too bad, just mildly uncomfortable for about 20 seconds!
   — Rosario T.

August 27, 2002
I had an enema because I hadn't had a BM two days after surgery. It wasn't bad but I was surprised to see that I slept the entire night without anything happening, then the next morning, everything came out as it should - lol. I was glad too and definitely didn't find it that offensive. Good luck. Hope you don't need one.
   — Linda V.

August 27, 2002
I had diarrea after WLS, from the drugs given before and after surgery. Fact is we are warned any gas may be a messy BM, dont pass gas in bed. But I did have a enema in 1985 for a bleeding colon. It wasnt bad at all in fact it put me to sleep. Enemas are nothing to be afraid of.
   — bob-haller

August 27, 2002
I was in the hospital a week and never had a BM. They asked if I wanted a suppository but I declined and actually on day 8 I had a BM on my own.
   — TP

August 27, 2002
Before I had to take phoso soda. Boy does that clean you out! The only thing I had to eat in the hospital was water ice and on the last day I had broth. I had nothing to poop out. Good Lux
   — Robert L.

August 27, 2002
"Patient Rights" ... NO ONE can make you submit to any type tests, treatment or procedure. If you go against doctors orders they'll no longer "accept responsibility" and may refuse to take further care of you. THAT is there right. Saying "NO" is YOUR right. I just wanted you to really realize that. In the same breath an enema is not a big deal at all. And if the doc thinks you need one, you'll probably me MUCH happier in the long run with having one.
   — Shelly S.

August 27, 2002
I had an enema in the hospital, that I say saved my life. I had not had a bowel movement in 7 days and I was having a very very difficult time. I felt like I was dying. So a very kind nurse gave it to me, but I don't think anyone can force you to do anything that you don't want to do. Take care of yourself and please stay encouraged.
   — Dortheria B.