Question:
Suggestion on how to give an enema?

I weigh 315 lbs with very short arms, I am scheduled in two week to have open WL surgery. I have to take two enemas the night before and I live alone. I have to use tongs to hold wipes when I go to the bathroom. I am so afraid I will not be able to give myself these enemas. Please did anyone else have this problem or can offer some suggestions.    — [Anonymous] (posted on January 31, 2002)

January 31, 2002
Don't worry, sweetie. Just be honest with your bariatric surgeon's office (I'm sure they hear this all the time). They will likely recommend an oral laxative instead. I didn't have to have an enema before my surgery.
   — Terissa R.

January 31, 2002
Instead of taking enemas you might want to take somthing like fleet the liquid form followed by a glass of water it works fast it doesn't taste all that great and it cleans you out completely.
   — Samitra D J.

January 31, 2002
There is such a thing as enemas bags with longish tubes attached. You would just elevate the bag and let it do all the work. You can check online at places like www.cvs.com or www.drugstore.com or walgreens online. I just looked at www.drugstore.com and if you type in "enema", you'll see a Fleet bag enema which is what I'm talking about. They also have non-throwaway waterbottle w/ tube type enema sets. Check around at different places and you're sure to find something you're looking for. If not that, try and get a tall bottle of read-to-use enema solution and a sturdy chair and sit on the bottle (no joke). If you can at least get your hands around to squeeze the bottle it should be okay. You can also use a laxitive if noe of that works. Good luck!
   — [Anonymous]

January 31, 2002
I USE TO WEIGH 346 POUNDS AND HAD CANCER OF THE RECTUM AND HAVE HAD A LOT OF ENMA.PUT A LOT OF TOWELS OR PLASTIC IN YOUR BED. LAY ON YOUR SIDE YOU CAN REACH FINE THEN. I EVEN HAVE SEVER BACK PAIN BUT MANAGE TO DO IT.EVEN WITH FLEET ENEMAS. GOOD LUCK NANCY M.
   — NANCY M.

February 6, 2002
my surgeon has us take an oral laxative. it is nasty tasting and full of salt but it does the job. talk to your surgeons office NOW so that you don't have to worry about last minute stuff. be honest with them. I weight almost 500 lbs and was worried too. Good luck! annette feb 14th 2002 pre op
   — annette S.