Question:
Edemas after Roux-En-Y Surgery

Currently after I have a bowel movement, I shower and give myself a cleansing edema. Will I be able to do so after the surgery or could this be putting to much of a strain on the colon?    — Michael Eak (posted on April 5, 2006)

April 5, 2006
Just a question - what is an edema? Do you mean enema? And why do you do this after a bowel movement. Is there a medical reason? If there is no medical reason, I don't see that this is something you would want to continue doing post surgery although maybe I just don't understand.
   — patgels

April 5, 2006
First to answer Pat- edema is a medical term for swelling - ie like after you twist your ankle it swells with fluid leakage- that is edema. Now to the original question- I don't know why you feel the need for an enema after a bowel movement- I know of no medical resason for this -the intestines are where most of the nutrients are absorbed into the body and frequent enemas can interfer with this- also if you need an enema due to constipation then there are other issues to be addressed. I would suggest you discuss this with your doctor or psychologist
   — dabby

April 5, 2006
hi hun ....cant answer your Q but as for as your spelling hell .lol.. i cant spell to good myself lol.. when is your surgery date ? god bless Brenda in tx
   — brenda F.

April 5, 2006
Why do you feel the need to give yourself en enema after you have a bowel movement. That can put a lot of pressure on the fragile lining of the colon. That is like douching....not good for you at all. The body has a way of cleansing itself. Enemas are generally used for constipation...occasionally. There is no medical reason that after WLS you cannot do it because the surg has nothing to do with the colon but I would check with your doc as to whether you should be doing this potentially dangerous act at all.
   — SteffieBear15

April 6, 2006
Yes I made a mistake in my spelling and didn't spell check it as I'm doing with my reply here. I thought this was about helping others not reporting to my English Teach. Now as to two reason why I clean my bowels out. I like to be totally cleaned out. Second as for the Fun Part of doing so is my sexual partner (and I'm not gay) & I enjoy playing more than just the usual intercourse stuff. And the anus comes into play sometimes to enhance the orgasms. And we find it best to be cleaned out as much as possible. Try it you may find it exciting.
   — Michael Eak

April 6, 2006
Michael, I could understand the confusion, as "edema" and "enema" are both legitimate terms. However, I didn't respond because, being familiar with both terms, I knew what you were referring to and didn't have an answer for you. These forums would be a lot more edifying if people would stick to the question being asked instead of feeling the need to question someone's motives, don't you think? :)
   — Jeanie

April 6, 2006
If you are doing this on a daily or regular basis, please see an ND (naturopath) for guidance. While your colon is only next door to your small bowel (& not involved with WLS), it's good to note that you can wreak havoc with your gut flora. A naturopath can tell you how to correct it (with an additive, I suspect) or use probiotics correctly. There's not a physical reason not to do this, but be sure someone medical is overseeing so you don't fall into trouble. ND's understand the colon VERY well, and colon health, so that might be a place to start. You didn't mention if you make your own solution or use Fleet (& you don't have to tell ME), so that would be a good thing to have with you when you talk to an ND.
   — vitalady